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8.01.2024
The Child Care Excellence Academy
What is the Child Care Excellence Academy (CCEA)
Launched this last April, the CCEA is a 6-month paid training program that incorporates child development and safety training, classroom experience and employment matching to a child care center.
During this time, each trainee receives wraparound supports to assist with successful transition into early childhood education. At the end of 6 months, the trainee will have completed all requirements for a Child Development Associate Credential.
What are the key qualifications and qualities that you are looking for in potential trainees for the CCEA? Do you have to have experience in child care or early learning?
The key qualifications for candidates include a desire to learn and grow in order to excel within the Early Childhood Education field. We also want people who are dependable and studious, and most importantly, enjoy children.
Candidates would need to pass the Child Care Licensing background check and be eligible to work in the United States. They do not need to have experience.
What supports or resources do trainees receive to help them through the process?
Each trainee receives a team of support including specialists who can help access resources that the trainee or their immediate family needs to be successful and sustainable.
Trainers also provide onsite mentoring once the trainee transitions to the classroom. These mentors can help navigate challenges that the trainee experiences when working with children.
Once established in the employment match, program specialists will help you develop a professional plan that includes goal setting and assistance with enrolling in higher education, if that is a personal aspiration.
CCEA mentors, trainers and specialists are equipped to support the trainees with any issue experienced as they transition to a new field of work.
Can someone participate in the CCEA if they have another job? What about families with young children?
This training program is full-time and the general hours are 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, depending on the schedule of the matched child care program. As long as a person can commit to consistently attending the program’s required hours, they could decide to maintain another position.
Interested people with children who are eligible for subsidy will receive priority access to subsidy coverage. If someone is not eligible, program specialists can help identify a child care opening for the family. No onsite child care is offered.
What should trainees expect to gain from this experience? And what happens when they complete the academy?
Candidates who complete the training will receive a CDA Credential which includes all initial requirements mandated by child care licensing (CPR/First Aid, safety training, background check, TB test and all other initial trainings).
Fees for this training are covered by the program. Upon completion of the CCEA, each trainee has the opportunity to obtain full time employment with the matched center. Having a CDA enhances their career prospects and possibilities of advancement.
Is the CCEA offered in any languages other than English?
The CCEA is only available in English, but there are plans to offer a Spanish-speaking cohort in the future.
When will the next cohort begin?
A new cohort is expected to begin in the fall of 2024, but final dates have not yet been determined.
How can someone who is interested get additional information or apply for the CCEA?
The interest form can be found here: Child Care Excellence Academy - Children's Cabinet (childrenscabinet.org). If you have additional questions, you can email [email protected].
