The Child Development Division of the California Department of Education awarded an additional $559,000 to Oxnard College in November, continuing funding of the CalWORKS program to recruit and train 75 early childhood teachers.
Dr. Lillian Manning, CalWORKS & Careers Project Coordinator, said the current program will be extended through June 30, 2003, with the grant also providing supportive services and job placement for program participants. The initial contract for the Careers project — awarded $392,000 in January 2000 — providing for the training of 50 students through June 30, 2002.
Program participants must complete 24 child development units and an additional 16 units of general education in order to be eligible for the Teacher Permit of the California Child Development Permit matrix. Each semester 25 participants enroll in the child development classes and receive on the job training with mentors. Upon graduation the students have studied vocational math, English study skills, and an introduction to consumer skills and computers.
The Careers Project staff are presently tracking 88 students enrolled in college courses, including many working full time in the child development field. |
