Perham Senior Becomes First High School Student to Earn Early Childhood Certificate Through M State Program

A Perham High School senior is making history. Chesney Esser will soon become the first high school student to earn an Early Childhood Certificate through M State’s Early Childhood in the High School dual enrollment program.
Esser, who is enrolled in both Perham High School and M State, balances her schoolwork with hands-on experience at Children’s Corner Learning Center in Perham, where she works with kids every weekday morning and afternoon. She also takes in-person high school classes, online college courses, and spends time at Perham Elementary School as part of her real-world training.
“I get to spend my time with great kids in a great facility. I learn all about the field I’m going into, and I get to build co-worker relationships,” Esser said. “And I still get to be at the high school for some classes every day, so I get that interaction, as well. It’s a great program.”
The Early Childhood in the High School dual enrollment program began as a partnership between M State and Perham High School in 2021 and has since expanded to Battle Lake and Pelican Rapids. The program allows students to earn their high school diploma while simultaneously gaining college credits and workforce experience in early childhood education.
This spring, Esser will graduate with the qualifications to work as a preschool teacher—an accomplishment that positions her ahead of many peers entering the field.
As dual enrollment programs grow in popularity, Esser’s success highlights how students can jump-start careers while saving time and money on college tuition.
For more information about M State’s Early Childhood in the High School program, visit www.minnesota.edu.
AP Citation: Derek Sidian. “Perham Senior to Earn Early Childhood Certificate Through M State Program.” Perham, MN. Published Feb. 22, 2025.