A partnership between Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) and Woodville-Tompkins High School is addressing the critical demand for qualified early childhood professionals. Through Savannah Tech’s Early Childhood Care and Education dual enrollment program, 15 high school students from Woodville-Tompkins celebrated earning their Basics Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) in Early Childhood Education. 

The success of this first cohort of students reflects the growing efforts to create streamlined pathways from high school to career readiness in high-demand fields. These certifications equip students with immediate workforce qualifications while preparing them for roles such as childcare providers, paraprofessionals, and assistant pre-kindergarten teachers.  The Basics TCCs also equip high school students to continue toward associate or bachelor’s degree programs on an accelerated timeline.

“This collaboration demonstrates the power of partnership between secondary and postsecondary institutions to prepare students for meaningful careers,” said Stephanie Grant, department head for Early Childhood Care and Education at Savannah Tech. “We’re incredibly proud of these students and confident in their ability to impact the lives of Georgia’s youngest learners.” 

The achievement comes at a time when the nation faces challenges in staffing the educational workforce. Programs like this dual enrollment initiative directly address a persistent shortage of educational professionals, preparing students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. 

The program’s success was made possible through the commitment of leaders like Woodville-Tompkins Principal Alfred McGuire, early childhood education instructor Emily Dion, and Savannah Tech’s faculty, including Tian Foss and Grant. The team emphasized providing students with a combination of academic rigor and applied training to meet the demands of the field.  

Savannah Tech, the premier provider of career-ready technical education and workforce development in Coastal Georgia, offers comprehensive training in Early Childhood Care and Education at both its Chatham and Liberty County campuses. Students can pursue academic and career goals with short-term technical certificates, diplomas and associate degrees. Graduates of the program are qualified to work in a range of childcare roles, including future leadership as directors or owners of childcare centers.  

"The college’s collaboration with local schools, both public and private, as well as industry partners ensures our students are prepared to meet the demands of today's workforce," said Dr. Gayle Tremble, Vice President for Academic Affairs for Savannah Tech. "We will continue to grow and adapt our programs to lead the way in career-ready education, offering hands-on training in high-demand sectors.”

To learn more about Savannah Technical College’s Early Childhood Care and Education program, visit www.savannahtech.edu/academics/early-childhood-care-education/.