Signal Centers Inc. launched the Work Ready program, which is designed to support TANF eligible parents, who have a high school education or HiSET, to gain paid internships and postsecondary education or training that will result in permanent employment in the licensed child care industry.
Work Ready addresses two urgent issues in Tennessee: 1) the labor shortage in child care and 2) the unemployment rate among lower-income and minority citizens. The program uses a Two-Generational Approach which means addressing the needs of the whole family, both children and parents, simultaneously.
Educational training is provided by Chattanooga State Technical Community College at the Work Ready training site. This program is funded under a Tennessee Department of Human Services grant contract.
Joyce Jackson, previously the deputy director of Family Forward, another program of Signal Centers, has taken on the role as director. Success in this program will result in a stronger child care workforce, education and employment for lower-income families. The goals of the program will result in full-time employment with benefits that will end or reduce dependence on government benefits, officials said.
All resources will work toward building a safety net of support for families who participate in the program including intensive case management, transportation assistance and a stipend. The program has three major components: 1) education and training; 2) on the job training through a paid internship; and 3) job placement and follow up. Interns will enroll in cohorts to align with training and education entry points. After that, the interns can choose to continue education or seek permanent employment.
“Every parent wants to see their children thrive. Finding a pathway to education and employment is a significant step in supporting the whole family,” says Signal Centers CEO, Donna McConnico. “This program offers not only a career path, social supports, education, and employment but also builds a community of students who are sharing the journey. Parents are learning to build a meaningful career while making a difference for families as well.”
For more information and to apply for the next cohort, visit:
https://signalcenters.wixsite.com/work-ready.