Sedalia, Missouri – April 28, 2022 – High school seniors enrolled in the State Fair Career and Technology Center (SFCTC) on the State Fair Community College Sedalia campus teamed up to bring books to the children at the Loftus Early Childhood Center.
The students enrolled in the Graphic Design program at SFCTC wrote and designed children’s books using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. They used their skills in desktop publishing and typography to layout their illustrations and stories. The books were printed and saddle-stitched, so students also experienced preparing files for publication.
Copies of the books were presented to the students enrolled in the Early Childhood Professions program at the SFCTC. These students work with the children at Loftus Early Childhood Center to build their skills as early childhood professionals by engaging the children in activities to encourage their development.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the graphic design program to bring new books to read aloud to the children at Loftus,” said Dawn Macklin-Gulick, Early Childhood Professions instructor. “Introducing young minds to reading early helps them learn about sounds, words and language and builds a strong foundation to help them be successful readers.”
Linda Harris, Graphic Design instructor, worked with her students to create the children’s books.
“I enjoy watching our students get the opportunity to partner with different career programs,” said Harris. “This shows the students that professionals do not work in silos — they often work together to obtain a common goal — and what better goal than to invest in the future by helping children learn to read.”
The Graphic Design and Early Childhood Careers courses are two of nine free technical training programs available to juniors and seniors from twelve area high schools in ten school districts. Students enrolled in these programs receive hands-on training from experienced industry professionals that help prepare them to enter the workforce or to continue their education in two- and four-year college programs.
For more information about the State Fair Career and Technology Center, visit www.sfccmo.edu/ctc
