STCC to offer free classes for aspiring child care providers
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College will offer a summer program designed to assist prospective family child care providers in obtaining licensure and mastering the intricacies of running a successful child care program from home.
The Family Childcare Institute, which will run June 3 through July 9, is free for students. The tuition for the Family Childcare Institute is paid for by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s Career Pathways Grant.
“This is a three-course bundle that will help new family child care providers get licensed and learn how to run a child care program in their home,” said Nancy Ward, Career Pathways Grant and Activity Director at STCC. “We see this as a great opportunity for anyone who wants to open their own home-based childcare center.”
Dr. Christopher Thuot, Vice President of Academic Affairs, said STCC is committed to reducing barriers to help people in the community obtain an education.
“The Family Childcare Institute underscores STCC's commitment to fostering accessible education and meeting the demands for child care in the community,” he said. “The flexibility of the program accommodates individuals with varying schedules and commitments.”
The Child Growth and Development and Administration of Family Child Care Programs classes will both be taught in a hybrid format. Students will meet on campus on two separate Saturdays (June 8 and July 6) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an hour for lunch. The balance of work in the two hybrid courses will be done online. The Entrepreneurship class will be taught completely online.
Anyone interested in applying can contact Nancy Ward at njward@stcc.edu.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu