Women's Resource Center to present a free seminar on preschool teacher training
The early learning industry is experiencing a workforce shortage, including an estimated 25% attrition rate during the pandemic. The teacher loss is placing a significant strain on local preschools as well as on parents searching for quality childcare.
The Women's Resource Center plans to address this talent shortage by hosting an online information session about professional opportunities in early education on Aug. 31 from noon-1 p.m. The free 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.
“This is a wonderful way to begin a rewarding career in early education,” said 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.”
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 for the seminar at mywrc.org/childeducation or call 941-256-9721.
The WRC serves thousands of women and families in Manatee and Sarasota counties, offering 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, visit MyWRC.org.
Submitted by Su Byron
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: WRC's Career Connections to host seminar on preschool teacher training
