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Teacher Training

YWCA Teacher Workforce Development Program

Earn your Child Development Associate credential – no cost for eligible participants!

YWCA Minneapolis Teacher Workforce Development Program is designed to help you earn your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, the best first step for early childhood education teachers.

“When I started, I had no experience other than being a mom. I’ve grown a lot in my job and learned how to be a professional teacher.” – Jennifer, program graduate

With this program, you can gain professional skills to move up in the Early Childhood Education field.

This program is state and privately funded. It supports you in your teaching position and gives you resources to complete the program. The program is Minnesota-registry approved and CDA aligned. Once your training is complete, your CDA testing fees are paid for.

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Workforce Development Program Details

Full-Time; Online or hybrid classes meet up to twice weekly

Length of Program: 6 months

Job Placement Support

New cohorts start regularly, enroll today to be considered for future start dates

During Your Training You Will Receive:

Qualifications

Strong interest in early childhood education: infant, toddler or preschool-age children

Commit to twice-weekly classes, independent writing time and work in a Minnesota-licensed Early Childhood Education program

Competent in basic computer skills; ability to navigate online systems and email

Organized, responsible, flexible, motivated and professional

Ability to accept and incorporate constructive feedback from mentors and program staff

Excellent time management and decision-making skills

Ability to work with diverse populations, personalities, and adapt to an early learning environment

Strong personal standards of excellence, ethics and integrity

Eligibility Requirements

Minnesota Resident

Age 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED by program start date

Meet household income requirements and provide proof of income (including spouse's income)

Pass background check

Provide a Photo ID, Social Security card, Proof of Citizenship/Right to Work

Testimonials from Program Graduates

"The YWCA CDA program supports and educated rising teachers in child care. This program has helped me grow amazing relationships with new people who share the same passion to care for children and their families."

“When I started, I had no experience other than being a mom. I’ve grown a lot in my job and learned how to be a professional teacher. I realized a lot of us work with kids because of good and bad experiences we had in the past and we want it to be better for kids today.”

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"This program has given me many opportunities to grow and develop new skills. I hope that in the future, I will continue my journey in early childhood education. I hope that I will be a great educator who is always willing to grow and learn more."

How to Apply

For questions, please contact Workforce Development Case Managers Riana Simone at rsimone@ywcampls.org or 612-215-4136.

Apply Now