July 23, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Linda Jerke

Responding to the growing demand for qualified child care providers and educators in the Hays area, North Central Kansas Technical College has established a partnership with Barton Community College to provide course work that will lead to an associate degree in early childhood education on NCKTC's Hays campus.

This fall, Barton will offer Child Abuse and Neglect and Preschool Child courses from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the NCKTC Hays campus. Kris Schulte will be the instructor.

NCKTC consistently offers the general education coursework required to complete this degree. The technical college also has worked with Barton's Early Childhood Program to ensure students in the area are able to complete their degrees in Hays.

This program offers a head start to students interested in completing a bachelor's degree at Fort Hays State University. This partnership demonstrates a unique beneficial collaboration between a community college, technical college and four-year university.

Local careers available for students with degrees in early childhood education include child care administrator, professional nanny, paraprofessional, family child care provider, day care provider, after-school program provider and corporate care provider.

Students may qualify for Federal Financial Aid and/or other scholarships and tuition assistance. Anyone interested in this program may contact Barton's Early Childhood Program toll free, 866-813-2462, or NCKTC, 785-623-6152.