STCC to Offer Free Classes for Aspiring Childcare Providers

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will offer a summer program designed to assist prospective family childcare providers in obtaining licensure and mastering the intricacies of running a successful childcare program from home.

The Family Childcare Institute, which will run June 3 through July 9, is free for students. The tuition for the Family Child Care Institute is paid for by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s Career Pathways Grant.

“This is a three-course bundle that will help new family childcare providers get licensed and learn how to run a childcare program in their home,” said Nancy Ward, Career Pathways Grant and Activity director at STCC. “We see this as a great opportunity for anyone who wants to open their own home-based childcare center.”

Christopher Thuot, vice president of Academic Affairs, said STCC is committed to reducing barriers to help people in the community obtain an education.

“The Family Childcare Institute underscores STCC’s commitment to fostering accessible education and meeting the demands for childcare in the community,” he noted. “The flexibility of the program accommodates individuals with varying schedules and commitments.”

The “Child Growth and Development” and “Administration of Family Child Care Programs” classes will both be taught in a hybrid format. Students will meet on campus on two separate Saturdays (June 8 and July 6) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an hour for lunch. The balance of work in the two hybrid courses will be completed online. The “Entrepreneurship” class will be taught completely online.

Anyone interested in applying can contact Ward at njward@stcc.edu.