Nova Dremonas loves how kids say the darndest things.
So her happy place is in the Cougar Cubs classroom. As a high school junior, Nova is one of three apprentices this year in a new program that provides college credits for students learning about early childhood development.
Greenfield-Central High School juniors Serenity Stainbrook and Naomi Campbell are also in the program, which provides online training two days a week through Ball State University, and hands-on experience at Cougar Cubs West three days a week. Whether it’s comforting a sleepy tyke, sharing a story in a small group or simply lending a listening ear, the trio say they are learning each day about a promising future.
Nova’s eyes sparkled with joy when sharing the best part of working with preschoolers.
“I just like how they’re so themselves all the time, and just hearing what they have to say,” Nova said.
The Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program is a partnership with Ball State University. Students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for the program, which consists of weekly course attendance and hours in the classroom.
This is the first year for the program, and there is room for growth: five students have already signed up for next school year.
“Students complete three college classes in the first year of the program and a capstone course in year two,” said Sarah Graham, director of counseling at GCHS. “The apprentices are assigned a mentor teacher at the preschool to parter with for the year. Students get hands-on learning with their mentor teacher and often lead small group instruction in the classroom. Students are paid for their work in the classroom, and work four to six hours a week in the first year; hours increase in year two.”
By the time they are done with the program, they will have earned the Child Development Associate credential, which is the minimum requirement to start work as a preschool teacher.
While the trio of apprentices plan to attend college after high school to continue earning degrees toward early childhood education, they’re grateful for the kickstart into the program– earning up to nine college credits as high schoolers– and the help from Greenfield-Central mentors.
“I think it’s a great program– it’s helped a lot,” said Serenity Stainbrook.
Michelle Harrison, Serenity’s mentor teacher, says Serenity has jumped right in from the beginning and meshed well with the students. She has a great rapport with them through running small groups and playing at centers.
Naomi Campbell says while she once thought she’d like to be a pediatric nurse, she fell in love with teaching and especially enjoys incorporating art into lessons.
“I’m learning a lot about how kids react and how they are with each other, emotionally and socially,” she said, adding that she’s learned how to ask open-ended questions to guide children in solving arguments. “They can be really good about solving their own issues with each other.”
Leah Springer, Naomi’s mentor teacher, says the apprentices learn by observing and also taking on responsibilities.
“My students love her,” Springer said. “She comes in cheerful and loving. She is always getting on the children’s level and communicating or playing with them. She also has a younger sibling that helps because she understands that these students are younger and you have to talk to them differently.”
Stephanie Berty, Nova’s mentor, says Nova has done a good job with her role in the classroom and often has her leading small groups. Depending on the day, she may be leading a math lesson; art time or an English/language arts lesson.
“The benefit that this program can bring to Cougar Cubs will be that students in the program graduate high school having completed the coursework to receive their Child Development Associate credential, allowing them to go into the workforce as a preschool teacher,” Berty added.
That was one of the reasons GC entered into the program, said Dawn Sonsini, GC director of early learning.
There is a great need for preschool education in the Hancock County community, and a shortage of staffing, Sonsini said. Greenfield-Central apprentices learn the Cougar Cubs routines, schedules and expectations. They also learn how to be good employees, from showing up on time to communicating with their colleagues.
Dr. Harold Olin, superintendent of Greenfield-Central schools, credits Sonsini and Director of Student Services Robin LeClaire for having the vision to initiate the program.
“They are both incredible professionals who tirelessly work to provide amazing educational experiences for our students of all ages and abilities,” Olin said.
Over the past decade, Olin says it’s become clear that the community expects more early childhood opportunities for young children.
Cougar Cubs has been expanding in size and scope, and is currently located in three buildings across the corporation. In 2025, a new program was added for childcare for infants and toddlers of GC teachers.
By 2027, the corporation’s goal is to have all of the preschool programs in one building, at what is currently Weston Elementary School. The Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program is a great example of the corporation’s effort to look ahead and train quality staff for future growth.
“We have been very intentional to increase such opportunities in Greenfield; adding multiple preschool classrooms and establishing the childcare center,” Olin said. “To meet this growing need, we certainly need qualified early childhood employees– adults who have a big heart to serve and support children and who also have the proper training. The partnership we started with Ball State University was created with this goal in mind.”
By Maribeth Vaughn
Olin said, “we certainly need qualified early childhood employees– adults who have a big heart to serve and support children and who also have the proper training. The partnership we started with Ball State University was created with this goal in mind.” (Photo by Brady Knecht / GCHS Senior)