August 31 at noon
Participants will learn about the free “Introduction to Child Care 45-hour training program,” local classes for the Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC), a new pre-apprenticeship program, and degree pathways in Early Childhood Education.
(August 5, 2022) The early learning industry is experiencing a workforce shortage, with an estimated 25% attrition rate during the pandemic. This shrinkage places significant strain on the preschools in our region, as well as on parents searching for quality childcare. This statistic is just one of many data points in the executive summary of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation’s Early Learning Initiative (https://whyearlylearningmatters.org/) which is working to support this important sector in various ways, including implementing preschool teacher recruitment and retention strategies.
The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is also committed to addressing this talent shortage by hosting an online information session about professional opportunities in the early education field on Wednesday, August 31, noon-1 p.m., The free virtual seminar, ” Early Childhood Education: Preschool Teacher Training,” is part of WRC’s Career Connections program that links women to quality jobs and funded training programs.
Participants will learn about the free “Introduction to Child Care 45-hour training program,” local classes for the Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC), a new pre-apprenticeship program, and degree pathways in Early Childhood Education. Presenters include Francesca Ricciardo, a workforce initiatives coordinator at the Early Learning Coalition Mantatee; Barbara Papantonakis, an early childhood specialist at the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County; and Eunice Lopez, an adjunct instructor at State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota. Register at mywrc.org/childeducation or call (941) 256-9721.
“This is a wonderful way to begin a rewarding career in early education,” says Lori Gentile, WRC’s director of client services. “There is no experience necessary to participate in these free training programs—and current job openings are available, with average entry wages for preschool teachers in the $14 to $20 per hour range.”
WRC offers robust career program initiatives, including free individual career coaching, resume preparation, interviewing skills, networking techniques, access to a local job list, and more. To learn more about services available at WRC, please call 941-256-9721 or visit mywrc.org.
About the Women’s Resource Center:
For more than 40 years, the Women’s Resource Center has been dedicated to engaging, educating, enriching, and empowering women of all generations and socioeconomic levels. Today, WRC serves thousands of women and families in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Its vision is to provide unique strategies and programs that strengthen women through life’s transitions and provide balance, confidence, and determination, which meet their immediate needs and provide hope for the future. To learn more, visit www.MyWRC.org.