Child Care Expansion (Grant Funded)

The Child Care Expansion Grant 

Keene State College (KSC), in cooperation with the Monadnock United Way (MUW) and other community non-profit partners, seeks to expand the training and employment pipelines for early childhood education and care, in order to provide more accessible high-quality birth-to-five years old childcare for families in the Monadnock Region (Cheshire County and western Hillsborough County in New Hampshire.) Both nationally and regionally, there is a critical shortage of high-quality childcare for children from birth to five years old.

In October of 2022, Keene State College (KSC) and the Monadnock United Way (MUW) were awarded a $1 Million grant from Congressional funding to address this issue in the Monadnock Region.

Project Description:

The Child Care Expansion project* will research, develop, and launch alternative educational pathways for early childhood professionals. Pathways being considered include CDA, TEACH, Pyramid Model, Associates degree, and educational trainings. The pathways will be developed to support the diverse needs of each student and meet each student where they are in their educational and career journey. The basis for estimates includes current and anticipated costs for programming and licensing fees. Scholarships will be provided to students enrolling in one or more of the educational pathways to offset, or cover, the cost of tuition, books, materials, fees, and licensure when applicable.

Project Objective:

Broaden access to and support for early childhood educator credentialing and training, both professionalizing current childcare teachers and providers and welcoming new educators to the field.

Current Pathways include:

Pathway 1:

Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) - Next Cohort MARCH 2023

CDA plus Coach through Early Care and Education Association (ECEA)

CDA is a certificate training for infant, toddler, and preschool childcare teachers. This program is a stepping stone for early childcare professionals working toward becoming a qualified teacher in the field, perfect for those that are looking for a self-paced, cost-effective pathway to enter the field or for those where traditional college classes are not a workable option. This “work at your own pace” online program is perfect for busy caregivers balancing home and work life.

This process is FREE!  It includes the fees for the CDA Credential as well as a coach from start to finish. If you are a provider and are looking to strengthen your teaching staff or a teacher wanting to better your knowledge this is the program for you.

Who Can Apply for a CDA?

The successful candidate for the CDA program:

  • Has a High School Diploma or GED
  • Is 18 years of age or older
  • Is an Early Childcare staff member working in a center-based or family care facility
  • Has 480 Hours of experience in the age group for which you are pursuing a CDA Credential

or

  • Is a High School Junior or Senior enrolled in a HS Tech Program for ECE

Who can apply for this CDA for Success program?

Candidates must meet the expectations above as well as be employed in a licensed center with the intention of staying in the field for 2 or more years after completion of the CDA.

How long does it take?

This is a 6-month session consisting of:

  • 120 online training hours
  • Development of a Professional Portfolio
  • Verification visit from Professional Development Specialist
  • CDA Test

What do I need?

Each candidate will need access to the internet and a functioning email for the Pro-Solutions account as well as communication with a CDA coach. Center directors have been instrumental in ensuring those in need have the ability to participate.

How Do I Apply?

Interested applicants, please contact Impact Monadnock at im@muw.org

Pathway 2:

T.E.A.C.H. NH

For Child Care Directors: Receive reimbursement for the $300 bonus! Do you have an employee who has recently completed their CDA through T.E.A.C.H. NH? The funding in this grant can cover the $300 bonus that the Child Care facility pays per participant.

For reimbursement, please contact Impact Monadnock, im@muw.org

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® New Hampshire (T.E.A.C.H. NH) provides comprehensive scholarships to enable early educators to take coursework leading to credentials and degrees by making it possible for them to afford both the time and expense of going to school.

Recipients enroll in courses at local colleges while working at least 30 hours per week. In exchange for receiving increased compensation, recipients also agree to remain at the sponsoring program for at least 6 months to 1 year following the completion of their scholarship contract. The commitment period will vary by the type of scholarship that is awarded.

If you or one of your employees is interested in obtaining their CDA through T.E.A.C.H. NH, click here for more information

Pathway 3:

Pyramid Model:

A framework to support children's social and emotional competencies. Participants meet weekly via Zoom to review information from the online Pyramid Model Infant/Toddler modules. For more information about Pyramid Model, click here. To participate in training, contact Impact Monadnock at im@muw.org.

 

*This program is funded through the US Department of Education Congressionally-Funded Community Projects Program in partnership with Keene State College and Monadnock United Way.