When Collaboration
Comes to Fruition
I love it when collaboration comes to fruition. There is truly nothing better.
Like many communities and states across the country, our area faces a shortage of quality child care providers—a challenge that directly impacts children and families, the workforce, local businesses, and our economy. More than a year ago, the Early Care & Education team began discussing how we might "grow our own" future workforce by generating interest in the early childhood profession among young people.
One idea quickly rose to the top: introducing middle and high school students to careers in early childhood education and child care. The goal was simple yet important—plant a seed and help youth understand the value, purpose, and opportunities that come with this profession.
Because child care providers cannot easily leave the children in their care to visit classrooms, the team explored another option: creating a video that Family & Consumer Sciences instructors could share with students throughout our four-county area.
Truth be told, it took quite some time to find a partner willing to create the video. Who knew that our last ask at a price we could afford (aka free) would turn out to be the perfect fit? Working with the Schuyler Community Schools Video Production Class was an absolute pleasure. The students and their instructor were exceptional partners, bringing creativity, professionalism, and enthusiasm to the project.
"Why Your Future in Childcare Matters" features local early childhood professionals discussing the rewards, opportunities, and profound impact of choosing a career in early childhood education.
So, grab a cup of coffee—or whatever your beverage of choice may be—sit back for a few minutes, and enjoy the wonderful work created through this collaboration. We think you'll agree that the students did an outstanding job.
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