I find your challenge is shared by a good number of Owners, Administrators and Directors in Early Childhood Education. I believe it is challenging to find qualified people as the focus on quality and accountability continues to be a priority.
I suggest beginning with your Annual Budget and determining if the compensation package you are offering is compatible with the quality you expect of your teaching staff. Next, I would look at where the supply of qualified candidates is being created. For example, Community Colleges, Colleges and Universities in your area and if they have Career Placement Services where you can post your positions. Then find the organizations offering the 120 hour CDA course and develop a relationship with them to provide candidates who need a placement for the required 480 hours of practical experience and enter into a partnership with the organization(s) to take candidates and support them, with the intent they will become members of your staff when they earn their CDA. There is also the option of supporting individuals who want to enroll in an online CDA course. For these individuals, you will probably need to provide them with support as they create their Professional Portfolio that is required to apply to the Council for Professional Recognition for a decision whether or not to award the CDA. Some high schools are now including the CDA course in the Career and Technical Education High Schools. I also think developing a robust Professional Development Plan to support teachers in continuously improving their knowledge, skills and disposition necessary to offer a quality learning environment for children is necessary.
I would also suggest becoming engaged in a NAEYC affiliate and their advocacy efforts to ensure all young chlidren have the opportunity to reach their full potential which includes highly effective teachers.
------------------------------
Robert Gundling, Ed.D.
Better Futures LLC
Senior Consultant
Washington, DC
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-03-2019 02:47 PM
From: Cynthia Bohrer
Subject: Hiring
Good afternoon. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to post for jobs? Our center has been hiring since January and are having no luck in finding qualified candidates. We have used Indeed, Craigslist, and local colleges on their job boards. No luck. I know that currently there are more jobs than people looking. We are getting discouraged and worn out. Thank you.
------------------------------
Cynthia Bohrer
Director
Kids International Early Childhood Education Cente
Ellisville MO
------------------------------