The Bearkittens’ childhood development program celebrated the addition of their long-awaited outside playset as March 2021 began. The program, managed by director Brenda Matthysse for over 20 years, is a CTE showcase program with multiple courses. It offers childcare to local families and dual enrollment credit through Cuesta to PRHS students who train in its Early Childhood Education pathway.

PRHS CTE students, Bearkittens preschoolers, and Bearkittens director Brenda Matthysse praised the new playground across the board.

Matthysse said she was pleased that now her CTE students can provide outdoors experiences for preschoolers, the socio-emotional adventures that are helpful for the small school of pre-school students.

“We like to say around here that play is a child’s work — and it needs to happen outdoors,” she said.

Advanced ECE student Cece Martinez, a junior, was animated and involved with students at the ribbon-cutting event for the facility. She plans lessons and interacts intentionally with kids like Parker McClure, a three year veteran of the Bearkittens program.

“We are so excited to have it!” Martinez exclaimed.

“The park is pretty cool,” 7 year old Parker McClure observed.

Video by Malia Gaviola