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Innovative App Connects “Job Ready” Substitute Teachers with Child Care Centers throughout Northern Ohio
As the ongoing teacher shortage in Ohio continues to affect child care centers across the state, Lorain’s Child Care Resource Center has responded to the crisis with the launch of a new job creation program. The program, called “Child Care Staffing Solutions” (CCSS), recruits, trains, and equips a “job ready” network of qualified substitute teachers. The centerpiece of the program is a cutting-edge mobile app through which center directors can request substitute teachers, and substitute teachers can respond within minutes. 
“Centers throughout Ohio are short-staffed,” says Jennifer Dodge, Executive Director of Child Care Resource Center. “Even though we’re three years out from the beginning of the pandemic, we’re still feeling the impact. Many teachers retired or left the profession in 2020 and centers are still finding it difficult to maintain good staff-to-student ratios. When a teacher calls in sick or schedules time off, directors need an immediate solution.”
The program is currently focusing its recruitment efforts in five Northern Ohio counties: Lorain, Erie, Huron, Seneca, and Sandusky, as well as parts of western Cuyahoga County. Applicants who qualify receive paid training and a signing bonus. Once they’ve completed required coursework, and passed state-required vetting, they can work as much or as little as they like. “It’s a great opportunity for those who need a flexible schedule. Our substitutes are only required to work two days a week, and they can choose which job openings to respond to,” says Jennifer.
“It’s an ideal opportunity for young people who love working with kids, or might not be on a college track,” says David Franks, CCSS’s Workforce Development Manager. “It’s also a great option for those who are working their way through college, or for moms or retirees looking for part-time work. Some of our substitutes end up getting permanent placements.”
MORE OPPORTUNITIES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
In addition to training substitute teachers, Child Care Resource Center also offers an eight-month training course, called the CDA Academy, that features four courses and personal support for early childhood professionals working towards the nationally recognized CDA credential. The CDA credential is based on a core set of competency standards and is a key step in the career advancement of those pursuing a life-long career in early childhood education.
“Some of our CCSS substitutes, find out they truly have a passion for early childhood education, decide to pursue it full time, and then join our CDA Academy,” says Ms. Dodge. “Both are great options for getting on a fulfilling career path and working with kids.”
ABOUT CHILD CARE RESOURCE CENTER
The Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) is the child care resource and referral agency for Lorain, Erie, Huron, Sandusky and Seneca counties in North Central Ohio. CCRC is a private, non-profit agency that is part of the statewide system of child-care resource and referral funded by the Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services and other federal and local funders. CCRC’s vision is to be the community leader in transforming early care and learning in North Central Ohio, ensuring every child has a high-quality learning experience and enters kindergarten ready to learn.
To learn more about Child Care Resource Center and the Child Care Staffing Solutions Program, visit: ChildCareJobsOH.org or call (440) 242-0413.
