MDUSD Adult Ed. program offers English language instruction and Early Childhood Ed training

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (June 26, 2022) — Through a partnership with Diablo Valley College (DVC), a Mt. Diablo Adult Education program is helping immigrants to learn English and prepare for careers in Early Childhood Education.

Called “Project ACCESS” the program offers English as a Second Language courses that help adults become preschool teachers. Adult students learn early childhood content in their language courses as they prepare to transition to the Early Childhood Education Program at DVC.

The program held its 13th annual Celebration of Achievement for the Class of 2022 on Thursday, recognizing about 13 students who earned Associate Teacher Certificates and 18 students who completed the Early Childhood Education/English as a Second Language “Bridge” program. All of the students were immigrants from countries including Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, India, Iran, Mexico, the Philippines, and Syria.

Tanu Tiwari, who is from India, was awarded the Clara Sernaque “Unstoppable” Award in recognition of her perseverance, commitment and leadership by a vote of her classmates in the Associate Teacher program. Tiwari said the best part of the program was the study group, which included other women who all “lifted each other up” and helped each other succeed. “This is the best thing that has happened to me,” she said, adding that she was happy to realize that her dream was achievable with the support of her program teachers and classmates through the pandemic.

Mothers

Tiffany Angulo, who completed the ECE/ESL program, noted that many of the women students were mothers with young children. “For all the children here,” she said, “congratulate your Moms and look at them and follow their examples. We can do the things we want with effort and commitment.”

Meena Voluspal was pregnant when she fled Afghanistan with her family. After starting the ECE/ESL program, said she was grateful for the opportunities it has given her. “This class has been a light that has brightened my life,” she said.

Similarly, Juvail Lalas said the ESL/ECE program will help her to achieve her childhood dream to be preschool teacher. “I dedicate this to my children so I can teach them better,” she said.

For more information about the program, call 925-685-7340 ext. 6754 or email lenahane@mdusd.org.