MEXICO – A woman with degrees in early childhood education as well as 10 years experience operating a day-care center was appointed by the Region 9 School of Applied Technology board as early childhood instructor.

Region 9 director Brenda Gammon said Terri Downs of Brunswick was chosen from among 32 candidates. Six people were interviewed for the job.

Once the school’s nearly $5 million addition and renovation project is complete, two new programs will be offered for area high school students. Besides early childhood education, an automotive technology program will be offered.

Gammon said an offer has been made to a Portland-area man to head that program. He will decide whether to take it next week. Eleven people applied for that job.

Gammon said Downs earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Central Maine Community College, and a bachelor science degree in education and psychology from Liberty University. She comes to Region 9 from Region 10 vocational district in Brunswick where she taught early childhood development for the past three years.

A maximum of 36 vocational students may enroll in the early childhood development program and in the automotive technology program. Gammon said the automotive program is filled, but openings remain in early childhood.

Part of the early childhood development program calls for high school students to work with preschool youngsters. Gammon said Downs is looking for children ages 2 to 5 to participate in the program for two and a half hours per day, beginning a few weeks after classes resume in the fall.

A small fee for child participation will be charged. Those who may wish to send their young children to the program may contact Downs at 357-6756.

In other matters from Tuesday’s board meeting, Gammon said adult education summer school will begin on July 1, then run each Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon, throughout the summer. The classes will take place at the SAD 43 Central Office in Mexico.