Kylar Dobbs, 17, a junior at Barren County High School, holds Matthew, age 2, as he plays with toys at the Trojan Way Childcare Center on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2023. Dobbs is a participant in an apprenticeship teaching early childhood care.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
By BRENNAN D. CRAIN, WCLU News
GLASGOW — Just across the street from the Barren County Board of Education is an expanding childcare program and apprenticeship where learning is happening at all levels.
Sonya Davis oversees community education initiatives with Barren County Schools. The apprenticeship program at the Trojan Way Childcare Center was developed into a straight-line pathway for students and adults interested in early childhood education. This is the second year it’s been in operation, she said.
“This can actually lead you into going into a childcare facility being ready to go or actually starting you in the education process of going into early childhood education as a degree,” Davis said.
The program is a partnership among many entities, including the Kentucky Department of Education and the Department of Labor.
Participants take part in environmental assessments, staff meetings, learn about professional development and even create their own lesson plans within the more than 4000-hour curriculum. Participants are paid while working through the apprenticeship.
“This is another pathway for somebody to say, ‘Oh, I don’t know if I’d like it or not,'” Davis said. “I’m giving you an opportunity as an adult to come in and let us teach you and see if the pathway for you as well.”
School systems today work to ensure students are either college or career ready – or both. Many pathways often center around careers like medicine or trades.
Nicole Shores – or Mrs. Coco as the kids call her – went to college with plans to major in accounting despite her family’s tradition of building up educators. Following a move from Owensboro to Barren County, she worked in the county school system as an instructional assistant. She later enrolled in the apprenticeship program and is now working toward certification as a childcare development specialist.
“They’re getting to learn from a teacher who was at head start for 15 years,” Shores said. “All the experience they’re getting – daily hands-on experience – is more than I think anyone could offer.”
Kylar Dobbs, 17, began working with the Barren Beyond the Bell program when she was 15. The afterschool and summer program allows students to engage in activities like homework help and archery. Older students oversee it — especially in the summer months. She now goes to the apprenticeship during her school day.
Dobbs has worked in the childcare apprenticeship program the longest of the nine high schoolers enrolled. She said it’s a special part of her life helping influence the children under her care.
“I’m really fortunate because a lot of kids my age don’t have that same job through high school,” Dobbs said. “I’m just fortunate and have come a long way. I’ve come a long way and learned a lot from the kids and with the kids.”
The program is open to anyone, Davis said. For more information, contact her by calling (606) 217-1066.
