The Child Care Specialist Program at Fort Hays Tech Northwest: A Pathway to Childcare Careers

Article taken from interview aired on 730 Goodland's Gold KLOE Good Neighbor Hour---If you've ever wondered about a career in childcare or even considered opening a childcare facility of your own, you’re in luck. Fort Hays Tech Northwest offers a specialized Child Care Specialist program that provides students with the credentials they need to pursue a fulfilling career in early childhood education. We had the opportunity to speak with Tara Nitzel Simmons, the instructor of this innovative program, to learn more about how it’s making a difference in Northwest Kansas.

A Growing Program

Tara's journey with the Child Care Specialist program began just this year, but the program itself is already in its third year. As Tara explained, “This is my first year as the instructor, and it’s been a whirlwind, but I’ve been able to hit the ground running.” The program is still young, but it’s growing rapidly. “Next year, I’m expecting around 17 students, and I currently have seven students enrolled,” Tara says.

One of the exciting aspects of the program is its flexibility. Tara's courses are primarily online, making it accessible to students across the region. “I have students in McPherson and Chinook, and they can take the coursework from wherever they are, with their lab experience completed at local childcare facilities.”

National and International Recognition

What makes the Child Care Specialist program unique is the focus on the Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate. This certification is nationally and internationally recognized, meaning students in Goodland, Kansas, can take their skills abroad to places like Europe or other states in the U.S. “The CDA is accepted everywhere, and it allows students to work in childcare facilities no matter where they go,” Tara explains.

The first year of the program is dedicated to completing the CDA certificate, while the second year builds towards an associate’s degree. By the time students finish their coursework, they will have both a CDA and an associate’s degree, giving them a strong foundation to enter the workforce.

The Childcare Desert in Northwest Kansas

One of the primary goals of the program is to help fill a critical need in Northwest Kansas—childcare services. Tara notes, “Northwest Kansas is a designated childcare desert. There are more children than available spots in licensed facilities, so parents often have to rely on family members or informal childcare arrangements.”

By training students to become childcare providers, Tara hopes to increase the number of licensed facilities in the region. “The goal is to have students open childcare centers or work in existing centers, but there are also other pathways, like home visiting, where students can work one-on-one with parents to educate them on early childhood development and strategies to address common challenges like biting or tantrums,” Tara explains.

A Hands-On Approach to Learning

The program isn’t just about theory. Tara emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience. “Students are required to complete 120 hours of training and 480 hours in a childcare facility. They get real-world experience working with kids, which is a huge part of their education.”

For students taking the course online, Tara has found ways to make the experience interactive. “I have them lead the class through activities and video themselves teaching. It's so rewarding to watch them develop into educators and see the interactions they have with kids, even if it’s from a distance.”

A Community Approach

Tara’s work isn’t limited to her students. She’s also helping to foster a stronger community by connecting students with local childcare providers. “Many of the local childcare providers have agreed to take students in for their lab hours, which helps them increase their capacity and provides much-needed support,” Tara says. “It’s a win-win situation—students get experience, and providers get extra help, which is essential in a childcare desert.”

Additionally, Tara is part of the Sherman County Child Care Coalition, a group working to build childcare facilities in Goodland. They are already in the planning stages of opening new centers and are actively fundraising to make it happen. “We’re hoping to break ground on one of these facilities within the next month, and it’s going to make a big difference for the community,” she adds.

Pathways for Students

The program isn’t just for people who want to work in childcare centers. There are several pathways students can take. “Some of my students want to work as home visitors, others want to start their own daycare facilities, and some may decide to continue their education with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education,” Tara explains. “The flexibility of this program means that students have options and can pursue the path that best fits their goals.”

For example, one of Tara’s students, a high school senior, will graduate with her CDA and be able to work as a lead teacher in a childcare center in Manhattan, Kansas. “This student is going to have a full-time job in childcare right out of high school, which is incredible,” says Tara.

Looking Ahead

With the growing demand for childcare professionals and the continued expansion of the program, Tara is optimistic about the future. “I’m really excited for the next year. The goal is to create more job opportunities for students and to help expand childcare availability in our communities. This program is giving students the tools they need to succeed, whether they want to work locally or travel the world.”

If you’re interested in learning more about the Child Care Specialist program at Fort Hays Tech Northwest, Tara is always open to answering questions. She’s passionate about helping students find their way in this essential field and looks forward to continuing to grow the program in the years to come.

For more information, you can reach out to Tara directly or visit Fort Hays Tech Northwest’s website to learn more about how you can get involved.