“There are so many students preparing to enter this field. Our opportunity is to create a clear pipeline into full-time employment.” - Kara DiGuilio, YMCA Child Care Executive Director
For students preparing for careers in early childhood education, classroom experience is an essential part of learning. At the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties, a growing partnership with local colleges is helping students gain that experience while creating a stronger pipeline of qualified teachers for YMCA early learning programs.
Students from Tacoma Community College’s early childhood education program have been volunteering in YMCA classrooms while completing their education. The experience gives students an opportunity to work directly with children, learn alongside experienced educators, and become familiar with the day-to-day environment of an early learning center.
The need for these pathways is growing. Across Washington, schools and early learning providers continue to face shortages of qualified educators, including those specializing in early childhood education. Building connections between higher education and employers helps ensure children and families have access to the skilled teachers who support healthy development and learning.
Continuing Education and Employment
The partnership is already leading to employment opportunities, with several of the volunteers already hired on to the YMCA team.
Finding qualified teachers continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing early learning programs. Washington state has identified Early Childhood Education as a statewide educator shortage area, creating growing demand for qualified professionals who are ready to enter the field. College partnerships can help bridge the gap between completing an early childhood education program and beginning a career in the classroom, creating a stronger pathway for new educators to move directly into the workforce.
“Developing the partnerships with local colleges is really going to be the key to onboard qualified teaching teams,” shared Kara DiGuilio, Executive Director of YMCA Early Learning Centers.
For students, that means an opportunity to gain experience before graduation and build relationships with potential employers. For the YMCA, it creates an opportunity to meet future educators while they are developing their skills and introduce them to the Y’s approach to early learning.
That pipeline will become increasingly important as YMCA early learning programs grow.
Preparing for the Future of Early Learning
YMCA Early Learning Programs are continuing to grow and expand year over year. The University Place location has grown enrollment by 20% over the past two years, and a move toward more full-time staffing has helped create greater consistency and improve retention among children and staff.
The YMCA is also preparing for future expansion, with plans moving forward for a new early learning location in Bremerton. As more families across Pierce and Kitsap counties seek access to high-quality early learning and care, preparing the next generation of educators becomes increasingly important. College partnerships help ensure local children have supportive, qualified teachers in their classrooms while creating a pathway for students to build meaningful careers serving families in their own communities.
EXPLORE EARLY LEARNING CAREERS