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The Early Childhood Work Readiness Program

In partnership with

Heckscher Foundation Logo

The Institute’s Early Childhood Career Development Center has been awarded a grant from the Heckscher Foundation for Children for an innovative new Work Readiness Program that will prepare participants for jobs in early childhood programs in New York State.

The program is designed to prepare participants for a job as a lead teacher or assistant teacher in one of the participating early childhood programs. Participants will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of early childhood education systems and regulations while working toward their assistant teacher or lead teacher certification.

Young adults (under age 25) are eligible to participate in one of two cohorts: (1) an assistant teacher cohort for high school graduates, or (2) a lead teacher cohort for rising college seniors studying early childhood or graduates seeking to earn their assistant teacher or early childhood teaching certification. The program will cover the cost of certification application fees, test preparation, exam fees and required workshop fees for participants.

Assistant Teacher Cohort

For high school graduates, GED holders, and rising high school seniors

Learn More and Apply

Lead Teacher Cohort

For rising college seniors studying early childhood or graduates seeking to earn their assistant teacher or early childhood teaching certification

Learn More and Apply

Employment Partners & Eligibility

For the Career Development Center's employment partners and those who want to join them

Learn More and Apply

Upcoming Open House

We would like to invite you to our upcoming open house! During our open house hours you will be able to

  • Speak to an advisor 1:1 and ask questions about the program
  • Continue your screening process to join the opportunity to get your teacher/ assistant teacher certification FOR FREE
  • Walk away with a small give away to prepare you for your journey

Time and date of event: September 19 from 11:00am to 7:00pm (walk in anytime!)

Location: 230 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036 17th floor

Light refreshments will be serverd.

Register Now

Assistant Teacher Cohort

Are you under 25, looking for employment and hoping to work with young children? The NY Early Childhood Work Readiness Program is for you!

Join the program to get the support and services you need to prepare you for a job as an assistant teacher, at no cost to you.

Full Financial Assistance

Program includes:

  • A dedicated career advisor
    • Connection to support services
    • Access to information and applications for college scholarships through the Early Childhood Workforce programs
  • Resume support
  • Employment search and support
    • Direct connection with employment partners
  • Fees for NYS Assistant Teacher certification are covered, including:
    • Application
    • Workshops
    • Exam
    • Test prep
    • Fingerprinting
    • International degree evaluation and translation
  • Application fees to the CUNY School of Professional Studies credit-bearing Child Development Associate (CDA) program
    • Options to attend CUNY or SUNY associates and bachelor’s degrees in early childhood also available
  • And much more….

Eligibility

You must be:

  • Under the age of 25
  • Employable in New York State
  • Able to undergo fingerprinting and a background check
  • Prepared to apply to college within 3 months of completion
  • Committed to work with children in child care settings for the duration of a two-year project

Information Session

Information session coming up soon

FAQ

➔ If I am still in high school can I join this program?

Yes, if you are a senior in high school, you can join the Work Readiness Program.

➔ If I am currently working in a licensed program, can I enroll in this program?

This program is for individuals who are currently unemployed or out of work and looking to enter the early childhood workforce. If you are currently working and need resources for teacher certification, access to higher education or other employment, we recommend you contact our career center using this link to schedule time with an advisor.

➔ I am currently working as a nanny, babysitter, or in another industry. Can I join this cohort?

Yes, as long as you have the intent to accept employment with one of the employment partners at the conclusion of the program.

➔ Do I need to reimburse the program if I do not complete the program or stay employed in early childhood?

No. However, we will continue to work with you to support your success in employment and access to higher education.

➔ What is the total time commitment?
  • Most lessons are asynchronous. You can complete on your own pace.
  • You will meet one-on-one with your assigned advisor at least 3 times per semester for at least one year, longer if you qualify and access additional scholarships that the Career Center offers.
➔ Does this program offer funds to attend college?

The Work Readiness Program does not have funding for college. However, once employed, you will have access to the CUNY-SUNY Early Childhood Workforce Scholarship and/or QUALITYstarsNY Scholarship.

Contact

If you have any questions: please email please contact Jonathan Gabay: jonathan.gabay@cuny.edu.

Apply

Apply Now

Lead Teacher Cohort

Are you under 25, looking for employment and hoping to work with young children? The NY Early Childhood Work Readiness Program is for you!

Join the program to get the support and services you need to prepare you for a job as a lead teacher, at no cost to you.

Full Financial Assistance

Program includes:

  • A dedicated career advisor
    • Connection to support services
    • Access to information and applications for college scholarships through the Early Childhood Workforce programs
  • Resume support
  • Employment search and support
    • Direct connection with employment partners
  • Fees for NYS Birth - 2 Teacher certification including:
    • Application
    • Workshops
    • Exam
    • Test prep
  • Application fees to CUNY or SUNY Graduate programs
  • And much more….

Eligibility

You must be:

  • Under the age of 25
  • A rising senior in an early childhood BA/BS program or a graduate
  • Employable in New York State
  • Prepared to apply to a graduate program within 3 months of completion of the Work Readiness Program
  • Committed to work with children in child care settings for the duration of a two-year project

Information Session

Information session coming up soon

FAQ

➔ If I am still completing my bachelor's degree, can I join this program?

Yes, if you are a senior completing an early childhood degree, you can join the Work Readiness Program.

➔ If I am currently working in a licensed program, can I enroll in this program?

This program is for individuals who are currently unemployed or out of work and looking to enter the early childhood workforce. If you are currently working and need resources for teacher certification, access to high education or other employment, we recommend you contact our career center using this link to schedule time with an advisor.

➔ I am currently working as a nanny, babysitter, or in another industry. Can I join this cohort?

Yes, as long as you have the intent that you will move to employment with one of our employment partners.

➔ Do I need to reimburse the program if I do not complete the program or stay employed in early childhood?

No. However, we will continue to work with you to support your success in employment and access to higher education.

➔ What is the total time commitment?
  • Most lessons are asynchronous. You can complete on your own pace.
  • You will meet one-on-one with your assigned advisor at least 3 times per semester for at least one year, longer if you qualify and access additional scholarships that the Career Center offers.
➔ Does this program offer funds to attend college?

The Work Readiness Program does not have funding for college. However, once employed, you will have access to the CUNY-SUNY Early Childhood Workforce Scholarship and/or QUALITYstarsNY Scholarship.

Contact

If you have any questions: please email please contact Jonathan Gabay: jonathan.gabay@cuny.edu.

Apply

Apply Now

Employment Partners

The Career Development Center created the Early Childhood Work Readiness Program in collaboration with early childhood programs that will act as employment partners. The program is designed to prepare participants for a job as a lead teacher or assistant teacher in one of the participating early childhood programs. Participants will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of early childhood education systems and regulations while working toward their assistant teacher or lead teacher certification. Career Development Center advisors will meet with participants one-on-one and in groups to support them with resume writing, career mapping, communication, professional skill building, and goal-setting. At the conclusion of the semester, participants will interview with the employment partners for job placement.

Current Partners

Academic Explorers Logo
Academic Explorers
Brooklyn Kindergarten Society Logo
Brooklyn Kindergarten Society
Community Action Organization of Western New York’s Head Start Logo
Community Action Organization of Western New York’s Head Start
Family Enrichment Network Logo
Family Enrichment Network
My Place: A Play and Learning Center Logo
My Place: A Play and Learning Center
Ripen With Us Logo
Ripen With Us
Young Minds in Motion Logo
Young Minds in Motion
Aim High Leadership Centers Logo
Aim High Leadership Centers

Partner Eligibility

  • Attend Heckscher Challenge Grant Workforce Readiness Planning meetings with Career Center Team
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of the Workforce Readiness Project
  • Interview and hire Assistant and Lead Teacher project participants who are on Study Plans
    • Must be able to hire at least one candidate per cohort for a total of 6 cohorts within two years
  • Be a licensed child care center in good standing with QUALITYstarsNY, OCFS, and/or NYC DOHMH
  • Provide a logo and partner agreement letter regarding the number of hires and participation to the Institute and Heckscher Foundation
  • Be a registered program in the NY ASPIRE Workforce Registry

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the employment partners: please contact Jonathan Gabay: jonathan.gabay@cuny.edu.

Apply

If you would like to become an employment partner or need more information, please complete the application and our team will reach out to you.

Apply Now
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