STCC offers free ‘Out of School Time’ class in June
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College this summer will offer a free class to people working in after-school programs, summer camps, community centers and other places that provide education and care outside of regular school time.
The online class, called Out of School Time, addresses a growing need: how to educate and care for children when they’re not in school. Conor J. Bevan, the director of program development for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, teaches the class, which serves as an entry to an STCC certificate in Early Education.
Conor Bevan will teach the Out of School Time class offered this summer at STCC.
STCC will offer 20 free seats in the class, which runs during Summer Session 1 between June 7 and July 9. The class, which is designed for people working in the field, serves as an entry point to the certificate in early childhood education called Child Development Associate Plus. (Learn more about CDA+ by visiting stcc.edu/info/child-development-associate).
The certificate is only 26 credits and is completed in less than a year, said Richard Greco, dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies at STCC.
“This is a fantastic way for after school programs, summer camps, and community centers to add professionalism to their programs,” he said. “Our students, upon completion of their certificate, are trained in the most modern educational theories and provided the real life skills needed to elevate any Out of School Time program.”
The class covers areas such as curriculum design, behavior management, child and family interaction, and childhood development.
“As this summer course is online, it is a great way to encourage staff to increase their knowledge base without requiring them to miss any hours during the summer season,” Greco said.
Bevan, the instructor, said organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club offer “out of school time” childcare services and programs and face a growing demand for trained educators. Designed to meet the demand, the STCC course is an elective that is part of the Early Childhood Education Transfer degree program, but is open to anyone.
“We’re trying to teach students to become youth development professionals, and give them an understanding that this is a critical time in a child’s life,” Bevan said. “We serve as a primary link between academic support, enrichment activities, physical health and nutrition.”
To enroll in the class or apply to be a student in the CDA+ program,, visit stcc.edu/info/child-development-associate or call Admissions at (413) 755-4812. For questions about the Out of School Time class, email Aimee Dalenta: adalenta@stcc.edu, or Jennifer Wallace-Johnson: jwjohnson@stcc.edu.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu