The Early Childhood Education Career Training Program, a new program offered by the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood and Cambridge Community Learning Center, is recruiting participants to begin this October. The free job training program is tailored to people interested in becoming early childhood educators or currently working in the field. Through the program, participants take classes, complete a paid internship, and prepare to earn the national Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
“The CDA, a nationally-recognized credential, supports career growth and advancement, and often leads to increased earning potential for early childhood educators,” said Lisa Grant, Executive Director of the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood. “We are excited to introduce this unique program model, which blends coursework and hands-on experience with CDA credential preparation, and coaching support. This program will be critical in supporting and expanding our local early childhood education workforce.”
The Early Childhood Education Training Program will run from October 2022 to March 2023 and includes:
- An online course covering early childhood development topics and best practices
- A paid internship five mornings a week in an early childhood center
- Ongoing support from an Early Education Coach and Program Advisor
- Preparation and support to earn the CDA credential
- Assistance with resume preparation and job search
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be 18 years or older, authorized to work in the United States, have a high school diploma or GED, and complete a criminal background check.
“Through cross-division collaboration with staff from the Office of Early Childhood, the Community Learning Center, and the Office of Workforce Development, we have created a strong program model that provides a holistic approach to job training,” said Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services. “The Early Childhood Education Career Training Program offers a pathway for our early childhood educators to advance professionally and encourages and supports individuals to begin careers as early childhood educators.”
“Cambridge Public Schools is passionate about and deeply committed to ensuring our families have equitable access to excellent care and education for their children through the early years, which are critically important,” said Cambridge Public Schools Superintendent Victoria Greer. “The Early Childhood Education Career Training Program is a wonderful opportunity to expand the city’s workforce of early childhood educators and continue to build our early childhood ecosystem, which expands the educational opportunities for our youngest learners.”
“The City of Cambridge is committed to supporting early childhood education so that our families can access high-quality care for their children,” said Acting City Manager Owen O’Riordan. “Through the Early Childhood Education Career Training Program, we continue to expand a skilled workforce to provide crucial services to the Cambridge community.”
To learn more about the Early Childhood Education Career Training Program and register for an information session, please visit the following link.
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