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Career Exploration Begins Early at Chapelfield Elementary

Smiling elementary student uses a toy screwdriver to work on a small red car during a classroom activity, with classmates working in the background.

At Chapelfield Elementary, students are learning that it’s never too early to start thinking about the future. Through the leadership of school counselor Mrs. Krysten Jasin, students are exploring careers in fun, engaging and hands-on ways.

Thanks to career exploration kits generously loaned by Eastland-Fairfield Career Center, students are not just learning about different professions, they are stepping into them. These interactive experiences are designed to spark curiosity while helping students begin to understand how their interests and strengths can connect to future pathways.

In Kindergarten and 1st grade, students are exploring careers focused on caring for animals. Budding veterinarians and veterinary technicians are examining X-rays, playing Operation Pet Scan and practicing how to care for stuffed animals. These activities introduce young learners to the important role these professionals play in keeping animals healthy and safe.

In 2nd and 3rd grade, students are getting a closer look at careers in auto mechanics and auto body work. Using kid-friendly toolkits to build handheld cars and practicing spray painting techniques, students are developing an understanding of how these skilled professionals maintain and restore vehicles.

Across all grade levels, one important message is reinforced: career exploration starts with discovering what you enjoy and what you do well. By connecting their interests and strengths to real-world careers, students are beginning to build confidence and awareness that will support them throughout their educational journey.

Programs like this not only make learning engaging, but they also help students see possibilities for their future in a way that feels exciting and attainable. At Chapelfield Elementary, career exploration is not just a lesson, it is an experience that is already helping students imagine what comes next.

A young boy in a blue hoodie is sitting at a desk in a classroom, surrounded by colorful educational materials and plush toys.
A young child with braided hair is intently focused on playing with a toolbox filled with colorful toy tools, set against the backdrop of a classroom or educational environment.
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Two young girls are intently playing with toy construction vehicles on a table in what appears to be a classroom or learning environment, surrounded by shelves and other educational materials.
A young boy in a blue sweater is intently focused on playing with toy tools, while a girl in a pink hat is also engaged in an activity in the classroom setting.
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Three children, a girl and two boys, are holding toy cars and smiling in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting with shelves and storage units in the background.
A young girl with blonde hair is playing with toy cars on a table in a classroom setting, surrounded by other students and educational materials.
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