Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Childcare hiring 17 year olds

    Posted 08-25-2019 04:05 PM
    Hi, 

    I am a director of a childcare center in Michigan. According to our licensing standards our caregivers must be 18 years old, however a 17 year old can be hired if they have credentials for taking certain classes for an x amount of time. I have recently interviewed an ambitious 17 year old. I have been in contact with my licensing consultant and they informed me that although my interviewer took an online class she would also need to do an in-person skills test. 

    Long story short. Where can I encourage her to go for an in-person skills test. I feel clueless and want to help her to continue to grow for herself as I believe she has potential to be a superior educator in the future. 

    Thank you in advance for any help you all can offer.

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    Stacie Christe
    Little Saints Childcare
    Essexville MI
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  • 2.  RE: Childcare hiring 17 year olds

    Posted 08-26-2019 03:03 AM
    Hello Stacie,

    What an exciting position to be in to find a young person who has the potential to become a highly competent Early Childhood Education teacher. I would suggest looking into what opportunities are available locally and in the state to complete the process to earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. There are high schools that offer the 120 hour course and have her complete the required 480 hours of experience at your Center.

    I believe the structure and system the Council for Professional Recognition has created for individuals to earn the CDA credential provides a person with the theory and the opportunity to develop the initial skills needed to support the growth and development of young children.

    I suggest having her and you contact your local Resource and Referral Agency to find out about where she can enroll in the 120 hour course and, preferably receive a scholarship, to cover the cost of the course and the application fee to apply for the CDA credential at the Council for Professional Recognition. Following this pathway will give her the skills she needs, completion of an online exam and observation by a Professional Development Specialist approved by the Council and a credential recognized throughout the United States and now outside of the U.S.

    I have served as a facilitator of the 120 hour course and seen the benefits to young people who want to enter our field of practice.

    Good luck supporting someone who sounds like an emerging leader in Early Childhood Education.

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    Robert Gundling, Ed.D.
    Better Futures LLC
    Senior Consultant
    Washington, DC
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  • 3.  RE: Childcare hiring 17 year olds

    Posted 08-26-2019 08:47 AM
    Hello Stacie, 

          I want to thank you! I was that kid once and really appreciate what you are doing to continue to advance someone in the profession. If your licensing contact doesn't have any recommendations I would contact the program chair of the Early Childhood Education program at your local (community) college. They may or may not be able to perform the evaluation but I am sure she would not be the first special enrollment/education scenario they have encountered and they would likely be vary familiar with your state's agencies. 

    Best of luck!

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    Kayleigh Francis
    Ivy Tech Community College
    Indianapolis IN
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