CHARLESTON, SC (WCIV) — It is a course that prepares the next generation of early childhood education teachers.

West Ashley High School students are preparing to operate their own classroom.

“I’m definitely going to study early childhood education,” said Lyndsey Lupton, a 12th grader at West Ashley High School. “I want to go into either second or third grade — one of those areas. But this is really helping me get a good head start.”

READ MORE | “Saint John’s High School Firefighter Course Offers Certification and Career Opportunities.”

Lupton discovered her true passion over four years ago.

“I’ve always been interested in teaching,” Lupton said. “My sister had taken the course before.”

For preschool children, this is an early start to learning.

“We come in every day at about 6:45 to get the day going,” said Cassie Connor, a preschool teacher. “The kids come in at about 7:10. From 7:10 to about 7:35 they can come home. The kids can just come in and start their day.”

READ MORE | “Porter-Gaud students pack 25,000 meals for local charities on Senior Day of Caring.”

Then it’s time for life lessons.

“They go to the center and get to play with their friends,” Connor said. “We make it a point to practice our routine. They know that when they come in, they get to unpack, go potty and then play.”

For students like Lupton, this means they build a connection with the children and learn skills that they can use beyond the classroom.

“It taught me so much about younger people and their personalities,” Lupton said.

A win-win situation for current and future teachers and of course for the children.

“It’s been so amazing to see the development of the high school kids as well,” Connor said. “How confident they feel, how able they are to set boundaries. All of these skills will help them when they graduate college and get their own classroom.”

The classroom is filled with children from teachers across CCSD. Sixteen children between the ages of 3 and 4 are in the preschool class.