The Virtual Training Institute for Early Childhood Educators in Hawaii

The Virtual Training Institute A Work Place Development Program for Early Childhood Educators in Hawaii

Presentation Agenda 1. Presentation Objectives 2. Virtual Training Institute Overview 3. Year-to-Date Accomplishments 4. Contact Information

Presentation Objectives
This presentation will accomplish the following:
Provide an overview of the Virtual Training Institute for Early
Childhood Educators in Hawaii
Demonstrate current accomplishments
Share Future Goals for the Program
Provide a model for future work place development
programs for Early Childhood Educators

The Virtual Training Institute Overview A Work Place Development Program for Early Childhood Educators in Hawaii

The Virtual Training Institute Overview: Need for Higher Education for Early Educators “ Research has shown that the most important period of learning takes place in the first five year’s of a child’s life, and yet, in Hawai‘i, we face a shortage of highly qualified teachers who are trained in early childhood education.” (Mobley, 2006) “ Moreover, state after state is requiring greater training and higher standards for early childhood teachers. Four-year degrees are rapidly becoming the norm for teaching children from birth through age five. At the national level, the most recent Congressional reauthorization of the Head Start program requires that at least 50 percent of its teachers hold bachelor degrees by 2010. Twenty-one states require bachelor’s degrees for early childhood teachers who work in state financed pre-kindergarten programs.” (Mobley, 2006) Source: Mobley, J. (2006). New early childhood education program at UH-West Oahu Program to fill critical need for trained preschool professionals in Hawaii. UH News . Retrieved March 30, 2007 from http://www.hawaii.edu/cgi-bin/uhnews-arc?20060119151725 .

The Virtual Training Institute
The Virtual Training Institute is a work place development program for early childhood educators already working in the field. KCAA Preschools of Hawaii provides the program to all staff interested in pursuing higher education.
Founded in 1895, KCAA is Hawaii’s oldest and fourth largest early education provider. KCAA led the effort to establish kindergartens in the public school system and initiated Hawaii’s first teacher training program, which later evolved into the University of Hawaii’s first teacher training program.
Overview: What is the Virtual Training Institute?

The Virtual Training Institute “ Research has shown that the most important period of learning takes place in the first five year’s of a child’s life, and yet, in Hawai‘i, we face a shortage of highly qualified teachers who are trained in early childhood education.” (Mobley, 2006) Source: Mobley, J. (2006). New early childhood education program at UH-West Oahu Program to fill critical need for trained preschool professionals in Hawaii. UH News . Retrieved March 30, 2007 from http://www.hawaii.edu/cgi-bin/uhnews-arc?20060119151725 . Overview: Why a Virtual Training Institute?

Overview: Why a “Virtual Training Institute”? There are several benefits to online learning that include: Sources: Lewis, Regina; Earning a Degree Online. (2003) Retrieved from August 14, 2005 from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/08/26/earlyshow/contributors/reginalewis/main570268.shtml The Virtual Training Institute
Increased bonding and camaraderie over traditional class environments.
Over 75% of colleges and universities in the U.S. offer online degree programs, with online degrees as respected as "on the ground" degrees. (Lewis)
Accommodates multiple learning styles using a variety of delivery methods geared to different learners; more effective for certain learners
24/7 accessibility makes scheduling easy and allows a greater number of people to attend classes
Enhances computer and Internet skills
Learning is self-paced and self-directed
Participating online is much less intimidating than "in the classroom."

Overview: What does a course look like?

Overview: How was the Virtual Training Institute developed?
Thanks to the generosity from the Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation, KCAA Preschools of Hawaii has partnered with Chaminade University of Honolulu to develop and deliver online early education courses for KCAA employees and Chaminade undergraduate students interested in pursuing their Child Development Associate Credential and/or Bachelors in Early Childhood Education.

The Virtual Training Institute Overview: Who is KCAA Preschools of Hawaii?
KCAA stands for K indergarten C hildren’s A id A ssociation, one of the first charitable early education organizations in Hawaii. KCAA was founded in 1895.
Demographic Information for KCAA:
7 nationally accredited preschools on Oahu serving approximately 900 children annually
50% of families with income below state median income
Less than 10% of students are Caucasian (primarily Asian/Hawaiian)
130 staff
The mission of KCAA is to build a solid foundation for Hawaii’s children through excellent early education programs.

The Virtual Training Institute Overview: Who is Chaminade University of Honolulu?
AUP Online Program
Chaminade is an accredited, private university that offers degrees in multiple fields including Early Childhood Education.
In 1967 Chaminade University began offering accelerated evening and weekend programs for members of the armed forces, their family members and other working adults wishing to seek degrees or take courses of interest. Accelerated courses are offered in four semesters beginning January, April, July and October. Each semester is 10 weeks long. Selected courses are offered during intensive sessions between the 10-week semesters. Since 1996, a large selection of on-line classes are also available.
Currently, Chaminade offers early educators programs to attain their 2 year and 4 year degree in Early Childhood Education.

The Virtual Training Institute Year-to-Date Accomplishments A Work Place Development Program for Early Childhood Educators in Hawaii

Year-to-Date Review The First Cohort Group: The program was developed in 2005 when KCAA Pre-Schools of Hawaii partnered with Chaminade University of Honolulu to develop the online early education program. The Institute is funded in part through the Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation with the first online course offered in spring 2006. The first cohort of Institute participants received full tuition benefits, academic advising, release time during the work day, wireless enabled laptops, and text books to help them succeed in online, distance education. The cohort consisted of teacher’s aides who committed to complete three online courses toward their Child Associate Credential (CDA). Students in the first VTI class. 2006

Year-to-Date Progress Phase 1 - CDA Phase 2 - BA Phase 3 – The Future
In 2006 -
67 individuals (KCAA participants and others) have taken one of these online classes
• 20 KCAA employees have completed at least one online course
• 17 KCAA employees have taken one or more courses
The first cohort group is currently taking their final course toward their Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
KCAA received State funds for ECE scholarships
KCAA Family Literacy Program
KCAA Lab Preschool
Work Force Recruitment Program
Expand partnership to UH West Oahu

Current Statistics TEXT TEXT TEXT TEXT TEXT

Student Testimonials TEXT TEXT TEXT TEXT TEXT Virtual Training Institute Testimonials “ I feel that this was the greatest opportunity at this point of my life. At first I was very nervous and overwhelmed but going through these past two semesters, helped me to realize that I can accomplish something with the help and support of the instructor as well as my peers. This virtual training course is great.” Corie Ann Park, Teacher’s Aide KCAA Wai Kahala Preschool “ Taking the online class was great for me. It was a lot easier to keep my life at the same pace and not having to slow down to go to classes on campus. Having three hours a week during work made it so much easier for me to complete my homework and study; rather then doing everything on my own time. It’s hard enough having to juggle a full time job, part time job, soccer, and family! So taking the course online was the greatest choice I could have made!” Loren Osaki, Teacher’s Aide KCAA Kuapa Preschool

The Virtual Training Institute The Future A Work Place Development Program for Early Childhood Educators in Hawaii

The Future TEXT TEXT TEXT TEXT TEXT Over the next three to five years, KCAA will work to develop a training program that will increase the number of qualified teachers in the state by enabling increasing numbers of individuals coming into the early childhood field to earn degrees that enable them to work in licensed preschools. Also, KCAA will be working to expand scholarship resources for early educators Additionally, KCAA is planning to construct a formal training institute (building) to provide a physical location where training is offered and services are coordinated.

The Virtual Training Institute Contact Information and Questions A Work Place Development Program for Early Childhood Educators in Hawaii

Contact Information How can I learn more about the Virtual Training Institute? How can I participate in the Virtual Training Institute? To learn more about the Virtual Training Institute, KCAA Preschools of Hawaii, the Castle Foundation and Chaminade University. Please contact: [email_address] Contact person(s): Kathy Yamashiroya Michelle Kuamoo http://www.foundationcenter.org/grantmaker/castle/ http://acad.chaminade.edu/dept/education Contact person(s): David Jelinek Elizabeth Park

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The Virtual Training Institute for Early Childhood Educators in Hawaii

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