Each year, University of Waterloo partners with Strong Start® to offer meaningful practicum placements to students pursuing careers in education, child development, and the nonprofit sector. The result? Students gain hands-on learning they can apply—and Strong Start is able to support even more children learn to read.
From preschool classrooms to administrative offices, placement students are making a measurable difference by contributing their time, skills, and fresh perspectives to every aspect of Strong Start’s work.
An Early Start, A Lasting Impact
Between January and April, students from the University of Waterloo’s Social Development Studies (SDS) program join Strong Start’s Get Ready for School™ program teams. Working directly in preschool classrooms, they become an extra set of hands at a critical moment—when children are adjusting to new routines, and instructors are getting to know each child’s unique needs.
These students bring energy and curiosity to their roles, diving in with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. They support the two-hour classroom routine by helping with free play, snack time, transitions, and small and large group activities. Their presence allows Lead Instructors to spend more focused time with individual children, especially those who may need extra support.
Anna Moreau, a recent placement student, shared the joy of watching a child who had been challenged with reading light up after mastering a task. “The moments that stand out the most for me are when I notice a child understanding something they struggled with before,” she said. “Seeing their faces light up is so special—it reminds me why this work matters.”
Ella Sakai, another placement student, recalls the power of storytelling. “We acted out using felt characters, and I gave each one a voice,” she recalled. “The kids were completely captivated. It reminded me of how much I loved being read to as a child.”
Placement students often speak about the joy of witnessing young learners’ progress. As Anna reflected, “I didn’t expect to see such significant development in such a short time. Watching children’s vocabularies and confidence grow over a few months was incredible.”
Many students go on to be hired as Instructors in the Get Ready for School program—a testament to the strength of Strong Start’s mentoring and onboarding process.
Leadership Behind the Scenes
Not all placements take place in the classroom. Some, like Alexis Wallace’s (pictured above), happen at the administrative level—and are equally valuable.
Drawn to Strong Start’s mission to support children and families at the beginning of their learning journey, Alexis joined the National Program Deployment Centre (NPDC) team, contributing to program expansion research.
“I conducted research on school boards, curriculum requirements across provinces, and recent developments in phonological awareness. I was also invited to join strategic and values-driven meetings with the Senior Leadership Team,” she said.
Working closely with the leadership team allowed Alexis to experience the inner workings of a charitable organization and sharpen her understanding of nonprofit administration. “This placement helped solidify my passion for nonprofit work. I left with a clear vision of the kind of difference I want to make.”
A Model Partnership
For Jim Perretta, SDS Placement Coordinator at the University of Waterloo, Strong Start is an ideal match for students looking to gain real-world experience.
“The programming is research-based and meticulously organized. Students receive excellent training and are supported to grow into leadership roles if they feel ready,” Jim shared.
He’s also seen students build lasting confidence, and even secure part-time employment through their placements. “This partnership is a win-win. Our students gain valuable experience, and Strong Start continues to grow its impact in the community.”
From Practicum to Purpose
Placement experiences at Strong Start do more than checking a box on a course requirement—they inspire. Through meaningful roles, expert mentorship, and real-world responsibilities, students leave their placements feeling equipped, empowered, and connected to a cause that truly matters.
To learn more about Strong Start’s student placements or explore how you can get involved, click here.