"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Child Care Training Opportunities

"Dacia Hammer rocks son Hayden Scott during a training session of the Cherokee Nation’s Childcare Occupations Class. The class offers training to those interested in becoming child care specialists."

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation is changing lives and shaping futures through the implementation of programs that create opportunities for Cherokee citizens. One such program is the Child Care Occupations Training Class, which is a service offered through the partnership of Cherokee Nation’s Career Services Department and the Child Development Center.

“The Cherokee Nation will continue to bring training and education to our Cherokee citizens, so our people can be independent and self-sufficient,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “A family that is self-supporting is an asset to any community; we will continue to provide opportunities for Cherokee people to better themselves and their economical situation.”

The Child Care Occupations Training Class is geared toward increasing the marketability and employability of the participants. Upon completion of the course, participants will possess the skills they need to be competent and effective childcare providers.

The Child Care Occupations Class is a way to achieve success in the job market. Eighty-five percent of the students successfully enter the workforce or open their own businesses. Taking part and completing the program changed the life of Lead Teacher Crissy Clark.

“When I entered the training program, I was six months pregnant and didn’t have anything,” said Clark. “The Cherokee Nation helped me to get back on my feet. Today, I do not receive any social assistance and am completely self-sufficient. I enjoy my work so much that upon receiving my CDA, I have gone on to college to further my education.”

Early Childhood Teacher Rose Boney completed the training class and was hired immediately by the Cherokee Nation Child Development Center.

“I wanted to take part in the program to gain training and knowledge about child care,” said Boney. “The class is set up so that you can become educated and get hands on experience at the same time. The class provided me with opportunities that I would not have otherwise had.”

The Cherokee Nation Child Development Center is a nationally accredited center and is currently seeking applicants for the Child Care Occupations Training Class.

“You can’t find a better place to be educated or receive training,” said Lead Educator Debbie Smith. “Our facility is nationally recognized. We take pride in our staff and look forward to help other students create a career in child care. The field is wide open and full of possibilities. Our students enjoy a high success rate. Many go on to become employed by the Cherokee Nation, teach in schools and some have even gone on to open home businesses.”

According to Cherokee Nation Vocational Student Services Coordinator Kathleen Brown, the program helps to establish a strong foundation for a successful career in child care through a certification process.

“This national credential certifies that the individual is qualified to work with infant through school age children,” said Brown. “We currently have openings available and encourage qualified applicants to consider a career in child care.”

To be eligible applicants must reside with the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area, be a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, meet income guidelines, pass an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation background check, and submit three character references from non-relatives.

Qualified students will receive an hourly stipend. For more information contact Kathleen Brown, phone: 918-453-5323.