The partnership will create an apprenticeship that will train early childhood educators on the job, provide mentorship, and help retain current Greater Kingsport Family YMCA employees.
Northeast State Community College has formed a partnership with Greater Kingsport Family YMCA to help train early childhood educators. Northeast State Community College administers the new Early Childhood and School Age Educator Apprenticeship program through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, which will provide Greater Kingsport Family YMCA employees with educational support and professional training.
According to an article on Northeast State Community College’s website, Rochelle Wilking, who serves as the vice president of Childcare Services at the Greater Kingsport YMCA, was quoted as saying of the new apprenticeship program, “We really appreciate the partnership with Northeast in creating the flexibility for staff and their education. We are super excited to keep staff retained with high training for them.”
Wilking noted that the organization has 22 locations in the region and, in total, cares for more than 850 children. The apprenticeship will create the opportunity for more individuals to become early childhood educators, which will benefit families in the region who need to find qualified childcare providers for their children.
Steve Shives, the president and CEO of the Greater Kingsport Family YMCA, said, “We need to be able to staff our childcare center with very high-quality individuals. We are excited about our partnership with Northeast, and we are excited about growing that. Childcare is a desperate need in this region, and we need to get people into the workforce.”
The agreement will give participants educational support and professional training in early childhood education, as well as academic advising and program guidance that will help students advance their education beyond the apprenticeship or prepare for careers. Those who complete the apprenticeship and its requirements will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Northeast State Community College.
Dr. Jeff McCord, the president of Northeast State Community College, said, “The apprenticeship model includes ongoing employment, a mentor, and the relevant education necessary to be successful. We are very proud and excited to be a part of making this partnership available and helping to address quality childcare needs in our region.”
For more information about Northeast State Community College, visit the school’s website.