Partnership for Children launching free Child Care Academy

SELMA — The Johnston County Partnership for Children will launch Child Care Academy, offering free training and support for Johnstonians interested in pursuing careers in childcare.

The program will include required training, health screenings, background checks, fingerprinting, professionalism training, interview practice, observations and shadowing. Participants will also receive educational materials and a professional portfolio.

The Child Care Academy is designed for individuals with no experience in a licensed child care center. By the end of the program, participants will be prepared to begin teaching. The inaugural class will run Oct. 7-25, meeting five days a week from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Partnership for Children will welcome two more classes in 2025.

"Staffing shortages make this a critical time for the childcare field," said Emily Englehart, the Partnership's coordinator of professional development. "Our goal with the Child Care Academy is to support aspiring childcare professionals and get more teachers in our classrooms."

In February, the National Association for the Education of Young Children published survey data showing that 53% of childcare centers nationwide reported staffing shortages.

"In North Carolina, 60% of childcare directors are experiencing staff shortages," Englehart said. "Through the Child Care Academy, we want to reduce those numbers by providing participants with support and a foundation for success."

Applicants must be 18 or older, residents of Johnston County, and have no prior childcare experience. Interested individuals can apply by calling Englehart at 919-437-9524 or emailing her at eenglehart@pfcjc.org.