Richmond, Va. (February 1, 2023) – The Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF), a statewide public-private organization that serves as the non-partisan steward of Virginia’s promise for early childhood success, has launched an Early Educator Fast Track Initiative in Hampton Roads to address the ongoing child care staffing crisis impacting parents, employers, and communities. A recent workforce survey reports that almost half of early care and education directors find staffing very difficult, with over 50% turning families away because they are unable to serve as many children as usual.  

The Fast Track Initiative is a multi-faceted solution that addresses new assistant teacher recruitment, compensation, training, retention, and ongoing professional development. By welcoming new talent into the early education workforce, the Fast Track Initiative seeks to strengthen not only individual early care and education programs, but to champion the significant contributions and importance of the early education workforce. 

Those looking for a fulfilling, fun and action-packed career with competitive pay, paid training and bonuses are encouraged to apply for a unique opportunity to join the early care and education workforce. 

The initiative, which ultimately will roll out in other markets throughout the state later this year, is aiming to connect 14 early childhood education centers in Chesapeake, Courtland, Franklin, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach with 50 newly trained assistant teachers. 

Program participants will be paid a competitive wage ($17 per hour) and receive four weeks of online and on-site training, guaranteed job placement with bonuses at six months and one year of employment. 

“By training new early educators and connecting them with early childhood education centers in Hampton Roads that are in need of staff, our new Fast Track Initiative will support the work we do to ensure a strong start for every child in Virginia,” said Kathy Glazer, president of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation. “We are excited to offer paid training and guaranteed job placement to Fast Track participants, which helps fill a critical teacher shortage in Virginia.” 

To be eligible for the Fast Track program, applicants need to: have a high school diploma or equivalent; have English proficiency; pass required background checks; and be eligible for employment in the United States. Participants will need to commit to one year of employment and must be able to work at one of the 14 designated centers in Chesapeake, Courtland, Franklin, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk or Virginia Beach. Applicants must be new to early childhood education and not currently employed at another childhood education center. 

Those interested in taking part in the program should visit www.vecf.org/fasttrack/ to complete a quick interest form. From there, a representative will reach out to individuals to walk them through the process.