RPC launches Randolph START for early childhood workforce

ASHEBORO — The Randolph Partnership for Children is launching Randolph START (Supporting Teachers and Readying Talent), a new early educator academy designed to address the growing shortage of qualified child care professionals in Randolph County. The initiative is made possible through grant funding awarded by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners.

Across the county, many child care programs are operating below capacity due to staffing challenges, limiting access to care for families and affecting the local workforce. Randolph START was created to help rebuild the pipeline of early educators by providing a clear, supportive entry point into the field.

Randolph START is a two-week, 60-hour academy that prepares participants with required trainings, real classroom exposure and job-readiness support so they can enter the early education workforce with confidence.

The academy will run Feb. 16 through 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is open to adults age 18 and older who are interested in beginning a career in early childhood education. 

Applications are open now and close Feb. 6.

Participants will receive essential trainings and certifications commonly required for employment in child care settings, including CPR and First Aid, Infant-Toddler Safe Sleep, Emergency Preparedness, and other health and safety topics. The program also includes resume and interview coaching, classroom field experiences, and a job fair connecting participants with local child care programs that are hiring.

“Early educators play a critical role in children’s development and in supporting working families across our community,” said Kristy Umfleet, Director of Early Care and Education. “Thanks to the support of the Randolph County Commissioners, we are able to reduce barriers and create a clear pathway for new educators to enter this essential field.”

Randolph START will be delivered in collaboration with local and regional partners, including Randolph Public Health, Randolph Community College, Minerva’a Mobile Health Unit, and area child care programs. The Randolph Partnership for Children has served as the county’s lead early childhood organization for more than 25 years, supporting children, families, and early educators through programs focused on education, health, and workforce development.

More information and application details are available at https://randolphkids.org/randolph-start.