PHILADELPHIA, August 14, 2023–The School District of Philadelphia, Parkway West High School, and KenCrest Early Learning Program hosted a signing day for the first cohort of students to successfully complete internships through their new partnership and secure offers for full-time early childcare employment.
Over the summer, students completed their hours for the Child Development Associate’s Certification or CDA and are now eligible for employment.
In November, the District launched a new partnership with KenCrest Early Learning Center; a current contractor that provides early childhood care for the District, to prepare students for a possible career in the field of Early Childhood. Students enrolled in Parkway West’s Early Childhood Education Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program intern three days a week at KenCrest West Early Learning Center on Elmwood Avenue to help get their CDA and college credits. Upon graduation, students may build on their education to become certified educators or secure a full-time job with benefits, whether directly at KenCrest or by joining the approximately 150 assistant teachers that work for the District’s Pre-K program. The three students being celebrated on Wednesday have secured full-time jobs at KenCrest.
Parkway West is the only high school in Philadelphia with an Early Childhood Education CTE Program. Through this program, students are introduced to early childhood education beginning in the ninth grade. Students can participate in internships for real-life experience to support earning their CDA and also earn nine college credits to jumpstart an early childhood career or begin a college pathway immediately after graduation. The early childhood program at Parkway West is also supported by the Philadelphia Academies, which provides students with college and career readiness.
