Considering a Career in Childcare?
Have you ever considered a career in childcare? Maybe your own children are heading to school, and you’re ready to enter the workforce. Perhaps you’ve retired from your first career and are seeking meaningful work, or perhaps you want to make a difference in the lives of young children and help shape the future of your community.
If this sounds like you, Smart Start of Davie County, in partnership with Smart Start of Davidson County, is hosting a free two-week Early Care and Education Academy designed to grow the local workforce in early care and education—a field that serves children from birth to age five.
“We are hosting our second Early Care and Education Academy to hopefully plug more holes in the workforce by putting more people into our child care centers,” said Allison Gupton, early education program coordinator for Smart Start of Davie County. “The academy is completely free and allows those wanting to enter the early care and education workforce the opportunity to complete the program with a portfolio of state-required certificates to be eligible for employment in licensed centers.”
When and Where
The Early Care and Education Academy will run from September 15–25, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants must attend both weeks.
- Week One (Sept. 15–18)
Location: First Lutheran Church, Lexington
Topics:- Brain Development/Transitions
- Fire Safety Training
- Playground Safety
- ITS-SIDS, CPR/First Aid
- Week Two (Sept. 22–25)
Location: Davidson-Davie Community College Education Center, Bermuda Run
Topics:- NCID, Resumes, and Criminal Records Checks
- Health and Safety Training
- Positive Discipline and Classroom Management
- Job and Scholarship Opportunities
What’s Included
Participants will also have the opportunity to complete background checks and undergo fingerprinting during the program. The goal is for every graduate to leave with all the credentials needed to be employed in a licensed local childcare center.
Celebrating Smart Start Month
This month’s academy is especially meaningful because September is “Smart Start Month” in North Carolina. Smart Start of Davie County is one of 75 Smart Start Partnerships serving all 100 counties in the state.
“We are proud to be part of this amazing network that supports our community’s youngest learners, their caregivers, doctors, and teachers!” Gupton said.
How to Register
Register by visiting the Smart Start websites below:
- Smart Start of Davie County: www.daviesmartstart.org | 336-751-2113
- Smart Start of Davidson County: www.partnershipforchildren.org | 336-249-6688
Smart Start of Davie County is located at 1278 Yadkinville Road, Mocksville, and offers resources for caregivers and families of young children. Both organizations are nonprofit 501(c)(3) entities.
