Covington Community School Corp. approves two-year CTE early childhood education program
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Summary
The Covington Community School Corp. board voted to accept a two-year CTE early childhood education program that offers dual credit and CDA certification; initial enrollment and a draft budget were presented by Mr. Rudy. The board approved the program by voice vote.
The Covington Community School Corp. school board voted unanimously to approve a two-year career and technical education (CTE) early childhood education program following a presentation from Mr. Rudy, who outlined enrollment projections, credentialing opportunities and an initial budget.
Mr. Rudy told the board the proposal is designed as a half-day pilot in its first year with a path to a full-day program. He reported initial enrollment interest of 6 students from Fountain Central, 2 from Seager and, at the time of the packet, three Covington students with a fourth added after printing. He described the program’s academic benefits: dual high‑school and college credit (up to 18 credits in the first year, plus an additional 6 in the second year) and an opportunity for students to earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
The presenter provided a draft budget estimate of $38,808, a per‑student cost cited in the packet at $3,528, and a district cost‑share breakdown listing Southeast Fountain at $21,168, MSD Warren County at $7,056 and Covington at $10,584 for the half‑day model. He also noted the state provides reimbursement that the presentation listed at $1,197 per enrolled student; that reimbursement reduces the net local cost, the presenter said.
Board members asked about capacity and implementation: the program is intended as a pilot year with morning and afternoon cohorts possible in year two, and the presenter said a combined full program capacity would be about 28 students. Members also discussed alignment with existing education‑professions offerings and emphasized a desire not to “cannibalize” the other program.
Committee member S7 moved to accept the early childhood program and the motion was seconded; the board approved the item by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
The board packet and the presenter’s remarks indicate the program aims to expand local workforce pathways into early‑childhood careers while offering students college credit and a professional credential. The board did not set an implementation date in the meeting; follow‑up items (staffing, site licensing for an associated daycare, and final budget corrections noted by the presenter) remain to be finalized.
