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Committee hears YWCA request to continue statewide early childhood teacher training; amendment adopted to extend supports
Summary
The committee heard House File 2266 to continue YWCA Minneapolis'run early childhood workforce training; members adopted an amendment to add subsidized childcare access for eligible workers and laid the bill over as amended.
Representative Maria Centenario presented House File 2266 to continue the YWCA Minneapolis early childhood education training program, which the YWCA says delivers foundational training and supports for participants seeking Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials and entry-level early childhood teacher positions.
Stephanie Thomas, vice president for early childhood education and workforce development at YWCA Minneapolis, told the committee the program includes 140 hours of training, 500 hours of classroom practicum, portfolio development, observation, and supports such as computers, testing assistance, travel stipends and referrals. She said the program operates virtually and serves participants statewide; in the last two-year grant cycle the program worked with 144 participants, 66 of whom graduated with a CDA and another 18 were expected to complete before June 30. The program reported strong participation by people of color, immigrants and parents.
Representative Centenario said an appropriation of $350,000 per year would allow the YWCA program to continue and expand services; committee members asked about access and county-level reach. The committee then considered and adopted an A1 amendment (moved by Representative Greenman) that would provide full or partial subsidized childcare for individuals who are eligible for early learning scholarships or CCAP and who provide regular care as childcare workers. Testimony from a childcare worker, Tiffany Behrends, described living in an RV while working as a teacher at $18/hour, with a 7-month-old child on a scholarship waiting list; she urged the committee to consider supports that would allow childcare workers themselves to access childcare.
The committee adopted the A1 amendment by voice vote and laid HF 2266, as amended, over for further consideration.
Ending: Supporters framed continued funding as a pipeline investment into the early childhood workforce; members flagged statewide access and the broader budget context as items for follow-up.
