BEDFORD – Students at the North Lawrence Career Center (NLCC) hosted a heartwarming and educational event designed especially for the district’s youngest learners on April 3rd and 6th. The “Teddy Bear Clinic” welcomed kindergarten students for a hands-on experience that introduced healthcare, safety, and community services in a fun and engaging way.
The event, now in its third year, was created by NLCC Health Science 1 teacher Christie Cummings.
“I started the Teddy Bear Clinic three years ago after attending a teacher conference where I learned about another school’s success with the program,” Cummings said. “I knew immediately that it was something I wanted to bring to our Career Center because it offers such a meaningful opportunity for our students to engage with the community.”
The clinic was designed to help ease common fears young children may have about visiting the doctor or facing emergency situations. Each kindergartener received a teddy bear to serve as their “patient,” creating a comforting and interactive environment as they rotated through a series of stations led by NLCC students.
Upon arrival, students began at the Personal Protection station, where they learned proper handwashing techniques and the importance of hygiene in healthcare settings. To prepare for the clinic, each student was guided through the process of correctly suiting up, including putting on a hair bonnet, gown, and gloves, giving them an authentic introduction to safety protocols used by medical professionals.
Throughout the clinic, high school students guided children through realistic, age-appropriate simulations of medical procedures and safety scenarios. Stations included dental care, vision screenings, X-rays, exercise science, casting, and basic first aid such as bandaging and injections.
“They love getting an actual teddy bear to take home, as well as the hands-on practice of taking an X-ray of their bear, ‘fixing’ a broken bone and giving it a shot, complete with a bear bandage,” said Melissa Kissinger, a Shawswick Elementary kindergarten teacher. “It is a fun way to learn and lets them experience that vaccines and medical visits don’t have to be scary.”
Additional interactive experiences focused on fire safety, kitchen safety, and criminal justice.
At the Criminal Justice station, kindergarteners learned how and when to call 911, practicing what to say and what information to provide while gaining a better understanding of how emergency responders help keep communities safe. The Fire Safety station introduced children to fire prevention strategies and what to do in case of an emergency, while the Culinary station emphasized kitchen safety, including how to identify hazards and safely navigate cooking environments.
Beyond benefiting the young participants, the Teddy Bear Clinic provided valuable real-world experience for NLCC students.
“This event allows our students to put the skills they learn in the classroom into real-world practice as they work with kindergarteners from across the corporation,” Cummings said. “They help the children understand that emergency and healthcare workers — and the tools they use — aren’t scary.”
Students said the experience was both meaningful and rewarding.
“These past two days have been a blast teaching these young kids about healthcare,” said NLCC Health Science student Emma Heinzman. “We have been given an exciting opportunity to help them learn critical skills with a teddy bear, which they have taken home. We are already excited for next year.”
“The Teddy Bear Clinic has been very eye-opening to how much we’ve learned,” added student Rachel Barr. “Allowing us to bring the young community together to learn about all the different pathways is a very inspiring thing to be a part of.”
“I love the Teddy Bear Clinic,” said student Shaylie Steele. “It’s been so fun to see everyone’s faces light up.”
The event also highlighted the power of collaboration across NLCC programs. Students in graphic design, construction, auto body, machinery, and engineering worked together to create large props and interactive materials, helping bring each station to life and enhance the overall experience.
Kelli Terrell, director of college and career readiness, said the clinic reflects the value of hands-on learning.
“This event is a powerful example of students learning by doing,” Terrell said. “Our high school students took on leadership roles to create meaningful, hands-on experiences for our youngest learners, helping them feel comfortable with healthcare and safety while building confidence, communication, and real-world skills.”
For Cummings, the event remains a highlight of the year.
“Watching our students teach, connect, and use their knowledge with such confidence is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Seeing those interactions is one of the highlights of my entire school year. The Teddy Bear Clinic has become a day I look forward to with great excitement every single year.”
Through thoughtful planning and teamwork, the Teddy Bear Clinic proved to be a memorable experience for all involved, empowering kindergarten students with knowledge and confidence while preparing NLCC students for future career pathways.
