DETR partners with WNC, other colleges to reduce shortage of skilled childcare providers
The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation has partnered with Western Nevada College and three other Silver State colleges in an effort to slow the workforce shortage for skilled childcare providers impacting communities. DETR is investing $1.4 million into creating Early Childhood Education programs.
The programs aim to assist students with tuition and costs associated with training in the Early Childhood Education industry. Early Childhood Education Skills Certificate Programs will help align and promote training programs for a skilled and more consistent pipeline of childcare providers, according to DETR in a news release.
Go here for information about classes offered at WNC as part of its early childhood education program. The other colleges in the partnership are Truckee Meadows Community College, College of Southern Nevada and Great Basin College.
“Childcare facilities throughout Nevada need a larger and more consistent supply of skilled ECE workers,” said DETR Director Christopher Sewell. “Nevada families need access to skilled and affordable childcare without having to sacrifice quality of care or having to endure long wait lists.”
After successfully passing their chosen Early Childhood Education skills certificate level, participants will be qualified for employment. Colleges will coordinate with DETR to assist graduates with job placement.
“After just one semester as an ECE Skills Certificate student, I have learned a multitude of ways to become a better teacher and role model for my future students. I always admired my teachers because they left a positive impact on my life,” said Adriana Salazar Marin, ECE Skills Certificate student at Great Basin College. “Taking classes will enable me to become a teacher that children will remember with fondness. It would have been impossible for me to attend college without the support of the ECE Skills Certificate program.”
Opportunities for spring semester courses are still available. Colleges are currently recruiting for the 2024 fall semester. Those interested in participating should email the ECE coordinator at the desired college:
— Western Nevada College (WNC): Travis Carr at travis.carr@wnc.edu
— Great Basin College (GBC): Lynette Macfarlan at lynette.macfarlan@gbcnv.edu
— College of Southern Nevada (CSN): Jennifer Montgomery at jennifer.montgomery01@csn.edu
— Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC): ece@tmcc.edu