September 2024 Newsletter
September 2024 BBF Stats
…and counting!
***
BBF Participants: Save the Dates!
***
The Early Childhood Workforce Connector (ECWC): An Additional Resource for ECE Registered Apprenticeship Programs
BBF is committed to providing resources to support our participating child care programs and organizations along their ECE apprenticeship journey. One such resource is the Early Childhood Workforce Connector (ECWC), an organization that promotes developing, launching, and expanding Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs across the country to support and sustain a diverse, inclusive, well-qualified, and well-compensated ECE workforce. In addition to the resources and support provided by BBF, the ECWC is a resource anyone can utilize, whether you are interested in learning more about ECE apprenticeships, need assistance getting started with one, or are already participating in an ECE apprenticeship.
As a U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL)-funded Early Childhood Education RA Industry Intermediary, ECWC provides customized technical assistance, including help with curriculum development, outreach and recruitment, mentor training, accessing available funding, and much more. ECWC provides these services to early childhood program employers, state and local agencies, community organizations, higher education institutions, sponsors, current early childhood educators, and career seekers – all at no cost.
Read More...
***
Spotlight: Scott Panagrosso, Workforce Development and K-12 Liaison, ApprenticeshipNC
As the Workforce Development and K-12 Liaison for ApprenticeshipNC, the state apprenticeship agency housed under the NC Community College System, Scott's role includes helping apprenticeship program sponsors build pathways to apprenticeable occupations, training and education, connecting employers and employees, and strengthening community relationships. Scott believes that businesses and employees benefit from Registered Apprenticeship as a workforce development tool because it allows businesses to train an adaptable, skilled, and efficient workforce while providing employees with on-the-job training, related instruction, and a progressive wage scale.
***
BBF Participants: Don't Forget to Submit Financial Requests!
The BBF team hosted a webinar tutorial on the reimbursement request process and the types of financial support BBF can provide. If you are a participant of BBF, you can view the webinar and slide presentation by going to the password-protected Participants Access page and clicking the Wage and Expense Reimbursement tab. For any questions on reimbursement requests, email lindley.hille@nc.gov or christina.hutchinson@nc.gov.
***
T.E.A.C.H. Apprenticeship Scholarship
Did you know there is a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program exclusively for apprentices? If you are already utilizing a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship and are a new apprentice pursuing an Associate's Degree, the Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Scholarship may be a better fit! To learn more, contact Amy Duffy, Senior Program Manager of the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® North Carolina Scholarship Program at amyd@childcareservices.org.