Released: January 14, 2016
Santa Fe Community College’s Early Childhood Center of Excellence presents a series of free workshops on How to Open an Early Childhood Business in January and February in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Española. The workshops, sponsored by a $20,000 grant from the McCune Charitable Foundation, are among the strategic initiatives designed by the college’s Early Childhood Center of Excellence to increase educational achievement and quality of life for New Mexicans.
The Early Childhood Center of Excellence is dedicated to improving early childhood education in New Mexico. The Center, under the direction of Jennifer Duran-Sallee, Ed.D., is collaborating with the New Mexico Small Business Development Center to present the workshops. The purpose of the workshops is to empower individuals with the tools they need to become small business owners and operate a successful, quality child care center. The workshop is open to all – those with degrees in education and those exploring the field.
“This is about growing a strong workforce of professionals who will positively affect the earliest years of our children’s education across the state,” Duran-Sallee said. “Thanks to the McCune Foundation’s generous sponsorship, we will not only be offering free workshops, but also participants will receive a $200 stipend to attend.”
Workshop participants will learn essential business aspects of running a quality day care center, from getting assistance with filling out paperwork to learning what it takes to meet the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department’s licensing requirements. In addition, each participant will be trained in first aid and CPR, both of which are required for owners of early childhood centers.
There are only 15 spots for each two-day workshop, so it’s best to register early. Contact the Early Childhood Center of Excellence’s Geraldine Harris at geraldine.harris@sfcc.edu or 505-428-1256 to get a registration form or to learn about additional workshops. Participants must register in advance, though there is no cost to attend. Registration includes lunch. Here is the workshop schedule:
- Jan. 27-28: Española, Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation Office, 1112 Plaza del Norte
- Feb. 11-12: Albuquerque, CNM Workforce Training Center, 5600 Eagle Rock Ave. NE
- Feb. 25-26: Santa Fe, United Way of Santa Fe County Early Learning Center, 3164 Agua Fria Street
“There’s a shortage of qualified early-childhood educators throughout the state,” Duran-Sallee said. “Through the Center of Excellence we hope to change that and encourage more people to choose a career in this rewarding and much-needed profession. Participating in one of our workshops is a great first step toward learning the ropes and gaining insight into a great career working with young children.”
Santa Fe Community College celebrates its 40th Anniversary as the pathway to success for individuals and the community. SFCC provides affordable, high-quality programs that serve the academic, cultural, and economic needs of the community. The college welcomes over 10,000 students per year in credit, noncredit, workforce training, personal enrichment, and adult programs.
A “Best for Vets” and a “Military Friendly” school.
Visit sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1000.
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