Childcare Works (CCW)
The Childcare Works (CCW) initiative seeks to sustain and strengthen existing childcare options while simultaneously addressing the dramatic shortage of supportive childcare for children ages 0–5 in Columbia County, through a multi-pronged effort, including the new Teacher Assistance Pathway (TAP) Program.
Heading the Childcare Works program is Sarah Cote-Bennett, MSW, Director of Early Childhood Initiatives. With extensive experience and having already undertaken a census of childcare operations in the county, Sarah will serve as a county-wide coordinator to provide networking resources and opportunites, workforce training, and support with icensing and regulatory compliance in an effort to retain the existing workforce and enhance the quality of learning provided.
Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (TAP) Program
The centerpiece training model of Childcare Works utilizes the Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (TAP), created by the DAY ONE Early Learning Community in Poughkeepsie, NY. TAP is a fairly new but highly successful model long championed by Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-106th), and recognized by Governor Kathy Hochul during her recent announcement about expanding childcare across the state. “Our Hudson Valley families have been struggling for years with a critical shortage of daycare facilities, childcare professionals and consistent funding — especially in rural communities,” said Assemblymember Barrett in a press release to The Columbia Paper. “I am thrilled to support the innovative Childcare Works initiative and to welcome the highly successful TAP model to Columbia County. I am grateful to the Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood for their leadership and vision.”
While aiming to strengthen existing childcare options, CCW will also include the launch of this innovative no-cost training model designed to create a streamlined, conveniently located pathway right here in Hudson for people to become credentialed as caregivers and educators for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Graduates of the program will gain credentials to open their own home-based daycares, or to serve as lead teachers at a licensed daycare or preschool.
Through TAP, apprentices complete an accelerated 11-week training program at no cost, receiving paid stipends, highly individualized instruction and coaching from a master's-level educator, and hands-on experience in licensed childcare settings. Participants also have the opportunity to earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential at no additional cost (eliminating the typical $600 fee) while gaining a valuable qualification for a career in licensed childcare. Completion of TAP satisfies over half of the CDA requirements!
TAP credits are recognized at both Columbia-Greene Community College (6 credits) and Dutchess Community College (8 credits), giving graduates a head start toward a college degree.
The first cohort is scheduled to begin September 2026!
To apply for TAP (September 2026 or future cohorts), click here.
Questions? Contact sarah@greaterhudsonpromise.org.
Funding
GHPN is grateful for the community-based partnerships and sources of funding that have made this new Initiative possible, including The Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation (HRBT), the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF), and private donors.