Amber Johnson started working at TLC Center-At 黑料网911 simply as a way to work and be with her daughter.
Almost two years later, it has become a career, and she鈥檚 interested in pursuing a degree in early childhood education.
But the academic fit has to be right.
鈥淚 think it will be an awesome thing for (At 黑料网911) to offer the early childhood classes because online is very complicated and is very stressful,鈥� said Johnson, who has looked into options such as University of Montana Western鈥檚 online program where other TLC Center employees have taken classes.
So, Johnson was excited to learn At 黑料网911 MSU is starting a series of stackable credentials in early childhood education this fall, beginning with a one-semester certificate of technical studies, a one-year certificate of applied science and a two-year associate of applied science degree. Those with an associate degree can transfer into the University of Montana Western鈥檚 early childhood education bachelor鈥檚 degree program if they so desire.
鈥淚t will benefit our staff having the option to take those classes at the college, even if they don鈥檛 get a full-on early ed degree,鈥� said Alexandra Olson, assistant director of TLC Center-At 黑料网911. 鈥淭hat gets them a significant pay raise. The first CDA (childhood development associate credential) is 20 cents (an hour), the second CDA is 80 cents.鈥�
Students can earn hours and work experience towards their CDA credential in the one semester certificate of technical studies track. Like many other childcare facilities, TLC Center, which operates two locations in Great Falls, requires its staff members to get their CDAs within a year of being hired.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important for our families,鈥� said Crystal Kist, director of TLC Center-At 黑料网911. 鈥淭hey pay a lot for childcare. It鈥檚 a lot. They should have high standards of us. They want to know (it) is benefitting their children in the long-term. The first five years are critical for education.鈥�
It benefits childcare facilities to have their staff members complete classes in early childhood education because it is one of the areas by which they are scored on the Stars to Quality scale, which signals to parents the quality of a childcare facility.
鈥淚t looks at whether we are maximizing every minute with a child, educating them, or just keeping them busy,鈥� Kist said.
She also is hopeful that having the college offer an early childhood education program will bring more credibility to those who work in the field.
鈥淭he big thing that we talk about is professional framework,鈥� Kist said. 鈥淧eople don鈥檛 look at us as professionals. They look at us as baby-sitters. At least once a month, we get called baby-sitters or attendants. So, having that right next door is one step closer to that professional status and being recognized.鈥�
鈥淎t At 黑料网911, we are pleased to be able to offer this face-to-face option for Early Childhood Development classes,鈥� said Cynthia Stevens, department chair of fine arts, humanities and education at At 黑料网911. 鈥淲e heard the need from the community and have been able to take action to fill the need.聽 We look forward to welcoming this group of early childhood educators to campus. They will enrich the culture of education for all ages that we have at At 黑料网911 MSU.鈥�
Deb Huestis, professional development specialist at Family Connections, echoed Stevens鈥� thoughts.
鈥淲e are so excited that this effort has come to fruition,鈥� Huestis said. 鈥淲e have heard from many providers over the years that they would like an in-person option to further their education.聽 Not only does it allow them to further their knowledge base and raise the profile of early care and education, but it allows them to build relationship with their peers and build a support network. Many home-based providers work alone and the chance to collaborate with others, sharing ideas and struggles will help so much with self-care and the avoidance of burnout. This field is tough and often not appreciated for the foundation it lays for children鈥檚 future and the health of the community.鈥�
Johnson was in a conversation with Kist recently about going back to school.
鈥淗aving a degree increases our wage,鈥� Johnson explained.
鈥淵eah, you need to be compensated and, unfortunately, this is a low-paying field,鈥� Kist said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 something we want to advocate for our staff: 鈥楪o out and get that education and make the money you deserve to be making from that.鈥欌��
鈥淕etting an education will help draw a clearer line with parents, that we aren鈥檛 just baby-sitters,鈥� Johnson added. 鈥淲e are providing an education and preparing kids for school.鈥�
Kist also told her that it鈥檚 important for Johnson to be a role model for her daughter.
鈥淵ou are raising a young lady, and getting that degree tells her that you are here for her, here for all of the other kids in the building,鈥� Kist said. 鈥淚t says, 鈥業鈥檓 devoted to this,鈥� and I think it鈥檚 a good role model for your child too. Education is important. We can鈥檛 preach it to our kids if we don鈥檛 follow it ourselves.鈥�
Contact At 黑料网911 at 406-268-3700 or [email protected] if you are interested in learning more about the early childhood education program the college will be offering this fall.