Effective Practices for Single Parents & Displaced Homemakers
Bakersfield College – Early Childhood Education Employment
Readiness Academy
Title: Early Childhood Education Employment
Readiness Academy
College: Bakersfield College
College Contact:
Miriam Neal,
Director, Career Development and Workforce Preparation
617-991-0334
Description: The program is
designed to prepare students a teaching position with a private
school or childcare center, or as associate teachers in subsidized
preschool or childcare centers. All students may attend the program,
however it specifically targets and assists single parents. This is
a one-semester Employment readiness academy in Early Childhood
Education. It provides skills that include: how to use appropriate
guidance with children, how to plan and carry out learning
activities for children, how to work as a team member in a
pre-school or child care center, and how to apply infant/child care
first aid/CPR. Students undergo enrollment procedures that include
the completion of an application for enrollment, a screening process
that includes drug, alcohol, and TB testing, and a Criminal Record
Statement. Prior to any childcare work experience internship,
students must have their fingerprints and child abuse index check
processed by the Department of Justice. The college has prepared a
flyer about the Academy that is widely distributed to promote the
program.
Enrollment in the Academy is restricted until program enrollment
requirements are completed. Students are then enrolled in college
courses, with an eight hour cohort that runs 8AM to 5PM Monday
through Thursday, and 8-12 on Friday for the full semester.
When ready, students are placed with mentor teachers for hands-on
experience in regional childcare centers, to acquire experience
prior to completion of the program. Student cost for participation
is estimated at $750, and financial assistance is available for
low-income students.
The fact that the two annual Academy offerings are continually full
is evidence of the effectiveness and success of the program.