In response to a community need to train more childcare professionals and offer continuing education for individuals currently serving childcare facilities, John Wood Community College’s Mt. Sterling and Southeast Education Centers will offer a Foundations of Early Childhood Education course this spring semester.
The hybrid course will be offered Wednesday evenings at JWCC’s Southeast Education Center at 39637 260th Avenue in Pittsfield from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. and simultaneously delivered via Zoom teleconferencing to the College’s Mt. Sterling Education Center at 108 North Capitol. Additional coursework will be delivered in an online format. The spring semester runs from December 16 to May 14.
“Our advisory council and community members identified a need for training for those currently in the childcare field based on state requirements,” Diane Vose, manager of regional centers shared. “There is also a need for more people to fill positions at daycare centers and other childcare facilities in Pike, Brown and surrounding counties. Offering the foundational class is our first step to fill those needs. The course is scheduled just one night per week with an additional online component to make it as convenient as possible for students who work.”
Students who take the Introduction to Early Childhood Education courses and an additional four courses as outlined by JWCC’s Early Childhood program may earn an Illinois Gateways Level 2 Certificate. This credential meets statewide standards and improves students’ opportunities for employment. Gateways is administered by the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies on behalf of the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Funding for the course offering at JWCC’s centers in Mt. Sterling and Pittsfield was made possible in whole or part by a Career and Technical Education Leadership Early Childhood Education grant from the Illinois Community College Board.
To register or for more information about JWCC’s Early Childhood Education courses and program, contact 217.641.4337, admissions@jwcc.edu or www.jwcc.edu/earlychildhood.
