The Delta Careers Collaborative is a coordinated workforce pipeline, designed to provide training, certification, and employment opportunities to individuals who will answer the challenges of workforce ready staffing in the field of early childhood education in the Mississippi Delta. Students from rural public high schools and local dislocated workers are the targeted population being recruited to enter this workforce after receiving the Child Development (CDA) training through Mississippi State University Education Extension Service for job placement with early childhood education centers.
Participants will enroll in MSU’s Child Development Associate (CDA) program, with funding support for books and supplies, technical assistance, and logistical support to ensure that they can complete the program. Mississippi State University’s Continuing Education Extension program will provide access to DCC enrollees in their Child Development Associate degree program, a 120-hour online course designed to be completed in one semester. Mississippi State University Center for Continuing Education offers over 400 different instructor-led, self-paced course options and is a leader in workforce development in the Delta.
Upon completion of training, participants will receive assistance in securing their CDA certification at a regional testing center. A fast-track hiring process will be established for graduates for employment at participating EHS/HS Centers and other area childcare providers. Participants will receive one-on-one assistance through the hiring process, including support with Mississippi State requirements for childcare educators (letter of suitability, health screening, and background check) and other support as required.
Participants Receive:
- Enrollment Assistance
- Tuition Assistance
- Career Coaching
- Financial Literacy
- Job Placement Support
