Alumni Career Feature
Karen Henne
We feature alumni with interesting careers from a variety of career areas. To find out more about the alumnus profession contact them via the e-mail provided. Or if you are interested in being featured, e-mail us at alumni@pct.edu.
- A.A.S., Early Childhood Education, 2001
- Rainbow Valley Childcare Center
- krnhenne80@yahoo.com
Why Penn College?
While in high school, Karen volunteered one summer at a childcare center to work with a child with special needs. She enjoyed it so much, she continued the following summer. This volunteer experience was the beginning of a career in early childhood education. A friend of Karen’s graduated from Penn College and told her about the early childhood program. Karen was drawn to the small class size and associate degree option. She graduated in 2001 with an associate of applied science degree in early childhood education.
Rainbow Valley Childcare Center
Karen is the assistant director and lead teacher at Rainbow Valley Childcare Center, a pre-school daycare facility for the children of R-V Industries Inc.’s employees. Developing curriculum, assessing child development, scheduling staff, and performing parent conferences are only a few of Karen’s main responsibilities. Rainbow Valley Childcare Center is part of the Keystone STARS program and is working on its 3rd star. Keystone STARS is an initiative of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning to improve, support, and recognize the continuous quality improvement efforts of early learning programs in Pennsylvania. STAR Performance Standards provide foundation for the program and each level builds on the previous level, utilizing research-based best practices to promote quality learning environments and positive child outcomes. Karen is highly involved in this process.
Advice
Karen believes the greatest strength of her education was the focus on methods and materials and the opportunity to apply them at the Children’s Learning Center at Penn College. She encourages students to focus on the practicum experience. Volunteer or work in a childcare facility to gain more experience. Talk to early childhood professionals and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or suggestions to improve. She also advises students to take care of themselves physically and mentally. Be well rested and ready to begin the day as it is easier to take care of others when you have already taken care of yourself. You can give the children the full attention they deserve and have a more productive day. Karen also notes that parent-teacher conferences can be a challenging experience for new early childhood professionals. However, as she stated before, the more exposure and practice you have, the more confidence you built.
Future
Karen is always looking to improve personally and professionally. She is a student at Eastern University where she continues to take courses in the early childhood education curriculum. She will graduate in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. The most enjoyable aspect of Karen’s job is watching children grow and get excited about something she has taught them. There is no doubt she will apply her new educational experiences in the classroom; keeping curriculum fresh and learning fun for all involved.
