STEAM in the Early Years: Supporting Early Childhood Educators

The Cambridge STEAM Initiative and the Cambridge Office of Early Education (OEC) have teamed up again to sponsor our STEAM in the Early Years workshop series! The 3-part series, developed in partnership with Mass Audubon, MathTalk, Grow into Math and the Museum of Science EIE, includes data-driven research and hands-on activities that reinforce the importance of encouraging STEAM identity development in our youngest learners.

If you walked into the Cambridge Public Library Community Room on any given Wednesday last month, you would have seen preschool and Kindergarten educators learning community in action. The energy was palpable. Ooohs and aaahs were coming from every learning station (view video evidence). Playful learning, joy, exploration and curiosity were everywhere. Laughter and wonder filled the air. Sounds like a day in a preschool or Kindergarten classroom!

The STEAM in the Early Years workshop series brings together educators from Cambridge Out-of-school Time (OST) and afterschool programs, Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) Home-Based Early Childhood Education Program,and the OEC network to learn more about STEAM and School Readiness.

Guided by Barb MacEachern, the STEAM Initiative’s Program Quality Manager, in collaboration with Liz Barlock, the Office of Early Childhood's Director of Education, each of the series’ workshops was intentionally developed to incorporate STEAM Habits of Mind, 6 habits that develop creativity and critical thinking skills to support young people in becoming creators, leaders, and decision makers. Educators experienced the benefits of nature exploration, math, and engineering for young learners.

Through their own play, exploration, and reflection, they developed and grew their thinking around the importance of curiosity and play. Educators also developed new connections that will last outside of the walls of the workshop. “I have more ideas on how to engage my students in STEAM activities! I also feel like I have more language to bring to families concerning the learning of STEAM topics through play,” shared one participant.

STEAM in the Early Years workshop series supports the mission of the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP), which launched earlier this month and accepts applications through January 15, 2024. In addition to providing free, high-quality preschool to every Cambridge 4-year-old, CPP prioritizes early educator support. Through the workshop series, the Cambridge STEAM Initiative and OEC developed professional development opportunities that inspire educators. “This workshop series has helped give me the confidence to try new ideas,” said another participant. “I feel excited to come into school and have new opportunities for discovery. It helps the kids and helps me!”

Interested in introducing STEAM learning to your program or staff? Contact Barb MacEachern at bmaceachern@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4727.