Launch Your Career in Childcare: Join the Free Early Care and Education Academy in Davie County

on September 3, 2024

Have you ever considered a career in childcare? Perhaps your children are about to start school, and you’re thinking about rejoining the workforce. Or maybe you’ve retired from your first career and are now looking for a new opportunity. If you’ve thought about making a difference or shaping the future of our community, this is the perfect chance.

Addressing the Childcare Crisis in Davie County

In light of the urgent childcare crisis affecting Davie County and the entire nation, Smart Start of Davie County, in collaboration with Smart Start of Davidson County, is launching an Early Care and Education Academy in September. This academy presents a crucial opportunity for those aspiring to join the early care and education workforce, providing a head start on certifications and requirements while enriching their understanding of child development.

What the Early Care and Education Academy Offers

The free two-week Early Care and Education Academy will take place September 16th – 19th and September 23rd – 26th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each day, participants will receive the training required for employment in a childcare center.

Essential Trainings and Certifications Included

The trainings include, but are not limited to, Fire Safety, Health & Safety Training, and Playground Safety. Participants will learn about developmentally appropriate activities and expectations, classroom management, and brain development. There will also be sessions on professionalism in childcare, job opportunities, networking, and next steps for those interested in furthering their education. Participants will be able to complete background checks and fingerprinting as well. The academy’s goal is for participants to finish the program with everything they need to be successfully employed by a local childcare center!

Three toddlers sit on a colorful mat in a playroom, each engaged with toys. The toddler on the left is wearing a blue shirt, the middle one in a pink sweater looks at a toy, and the right one, with a bow in her hair, holds a purple block.

Bridging the Gap: Meeting the Demand for Childcare Providers

“This academy will offer childcare centers an important pipeline of qualified candidates who are ready to be employed to fill empty classrooms,” said Allison Gupton, Smart Start of Davie County’s community relations and education coordinator.

The Impact of the Childcare Shortage on Families

“There are over 150 children on the waitlist for childcare across centers in Davie County. There are also only around 30 openings for infants countywide, and we know the county has many more infants than that. When a family cannot find childcare, many times, that means the members of the family cannot work. This creates a vicious cycle where they cannot provide what’s needed for their family,” Gupton explained.

“By getting more teachers trained, we can reduce the number of students on our waitlists and put more people in the childcare workforce and the workforce at large in the community.”

Perfect Timing: Smart Start Month in North Carolina

The timing of the academy could not be more perfect as the state of North Carolina has declared September as “Smart Start Month.” Smart Start of Davie County is proud to be one of the 75 Partnerships serving North Carolina by supporting our community’s youngest learners, caregivers, doctors, and teachers!

A caregiver sits on the floor surrounded by four babies, all playing with colorful toys. One baby chews on a blue toy, another wears floral sleeves and a headband, a third holds a green toy, and the fourth sits on the caregiver's lap. A green board can be seen in the background.

How to Register for the Academy

Register by visiting this link and learn about working in early care and education! Childcare is the workforce behind the workforce, and the difference you make today in the life of a child will truly impact tomorrow.

For questions, please call Smart Start of Davie County at 336-753-2113. Smart Start of Davie County is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Please visit our website at www.daviesmartstart.org or stop by our office at 1278 Yadkinville Road in Mocksville to learn more about resources for caregivers and families of young children.

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About Jeanna Baxter White

Jeanna Baxter White is a writer and the editor of the Davie County Blog. Relentlessly curious, she loves hearing and retelling the stories of Davie County. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends or curling up with a good book.
Filed under  Education • Mocksville