When Alee Ennis ’25 (CLAS) began her required practicum hours for her human development and family sciences (HDFS) degree with a specialization in early childhood development, she faced a grueling commute. Without a car, she traveled nearly two hours by train and Uber each way from her home to practicum sites in Stamford and Westport – often leaving before sunrise and returning long after dark.   

“My GPA took a hit, and I was constantly tired,” Ennis says. “But I knew this was the path I wanted.” 

In Fall 2024, HDFS expanded its Early Childhood Specialization (ECS) program to UConn Waterbury in partnership with the Slocum School, a local Head Start program operated by TEAM Inc. The collaboration brought practicum opportunities just minutes from the Waterbury campus, making the program more accessible for students like Ennis. 

“It changed everything,” Ennis says. “I could finally focus on the experience, the kids, and the material — without worrying about trains, rides, or losing an entire day to travel.” 

Ennis was drawn to early childhood development after taking an HDFS course that introduced her to a more holistic approach to child development across a person’s lifespan. Initially interested in psychology, she realized the ECS program offered more hands-on, immersive learning that would prepare her to work with young children in a real-world setting. 

Determined to stay on track despite the commute, Ennis says she worked closely with Cora D’Alessandro, instructor-in-residence and student coordinator for the ECS program. When the local practicum site launched in Waterbury, D’Alessandro was able to help Ennis transition into a preschool classroom placement. 

“Cora made it happen,” Ennis says. “We even did an independent study so I could take a required course that was still only offered in Stamford. She made sure I stayed on track to graduate.” 

The ECS program at UConn Waterbury blends research-based coursework with reflective practice and culturally responsive teaching. Students not only learn child development theory — they’re taught to apply it, observe, and adapt in real time. This collaborative model benefits students interested in teaching as well as those interested in pursuing careers across the full range of services TEAM offers, such as home visiting, health screenings, nutrition services, and a family resource center. 

“Our students are learning how to teach, but also how to think critically about their teaching,” D’Alessandro says. “By working alongside professionals in a high-quality program like Slocum, they’re gaining the tools they need to support children and families in meaningful ways.” 

Slocum School serves more than 200 children annually through TEAM Inc.’s Head Start program. As part of the program, Ennis was paired with a focus child for her practicum project. She documented the child’s language, motor, and social-emotional development, and worked closely with the classroom teacher to support growth in key areas. 

“The classroom at Slocum was bigger and more diverse than what I’d experienced in Westport,” Ennis says. “I worked with kids with autism and other developmental needs. At first, I was nervous, but over time I learned how to build trust and support each child based on where they were developmentally.” 

At Slocum, students like Ennis also work alongside experienced early childhood professionals, observing and engaging in classroom activities, assisting in curriculum implementation, and applying culturally responsive and inclusive teaching strategies. Many of the professionals at Slocum are HDFS alumni themselves, many of whom specialized in early childhood development, including TEAM Inc. CEO David Morgan ’97 (CLAS). 

“The bedrock to our TEAM achievements is collaboration, and we’re humbled and honored that the University of Connecticut recognized and embraced this opportunity to partner with us,” Morgan says. 

According to Fumiko Hoeft, dean of UConn Waterbury, the partnership is not only enhancing student learning but also strengthening the local early childhood education workforce. 

“This collaboration with Slocum and TEAM Inc. is giving students the chance to stay local and still get a high-impact educational experience,” Hoeft says. “It’s a win for students, families, and the community.” 

Ennis plans to pursue graduate study to become a child life specialist, supporting children and families navigating serious health challenges. Her time at Slocum affirmed her career goals and gave her the confidence to take the next step. 

 “I don’t think I would’ve made it through this program without the support I found here in Waterbury,” Ennis says. “Having this kind of opportunity close to home made all the difference.”