For Lillian Dilworth, working with young children isn’t just a co-op placement—it’s the start of a lifelong dream. A Boyertown Area Senior High School senior enrolled in BCTC’s Early Childhood Education program, Lillian is currently completing her co-op at St. Theresa of Calcutta Parish Child Care, where she works with children ranging in age from just six weeks to six years old.
No two days look the same at the center. “I bounce around from room to room, depending on where they need me,” Lillian said. Her responsibilities include teaching social skills during playtime, assisting in learning centers, helping with story time, and supporting classroom routines that help children grow academically and emotionally.
One of the more challenging—but important—parts of the job is potty training. Lillian emphasized the importance of patience and compassion during those moments. “If a child has an accident, you never want to yell at them,” she explained. “You have to talk to them gently. Our team works together to help the child figure out what works best for them. You never want the child to have a negative experience.”
That team-centered approach has helped Lillian grow not only as an educator, but also as a caregiver who understands that every child learns differently. While the work can be demanding, Lillian says the most rewarding part is forming meaningful connections with the children. Building trust and watching them grow makes every challenge worth it.
Lillian’s passion for teaching started early—really early. She knew she wanted to be a teacher back when she was still in kindergarten herself. Her path to that goal became clearer when she learned about BCTC. Lillian was introduced to BCTC through her older brother, who attended the Carpentry program. When she discovered that BCTC offered Early Childhood Education, she knew she had found the right fit.
“I love the connections I’ve made at BCTC,” Lillian shared. “Everyone is close without the drama, and the staff is really good too.” The supportive environment helped confirm that education was the right career path for her.
This fall, Lillian will take the next step toward her goal by attending Kutztown University, where she plans to study Elementary Education. Even as she moves on to college, she plans to continue working at St. Theresa of Calcutta Parish Child Care during her summer and winter breaks.
For younger students considering their options, Lillian offers simple but thoughtful advice: “Think about what you want to do in the future, and if there is a program at BCTC that would align with your goal, give it a try!”
With dedication, compassion, and a clear sense of purpose, Lillian is already making a difference—one small moment, and one young learner, at a time.