ECE Retention Specialist SPRING 2015 REQUEST

Looking Back …  The expectations of and demand for “qualified” early childhood teachers is expanding.  First 5 San Mateo County – Prop 10 Tobacco Tax One of the 5 top priorities identified was: “Improve student and community understanding of the ECE/CD Department”. Providing specific support and guidance to ECE students was identified as an objective related to this priority.  Funded the Program Services Coordinator Position since 2006  In 2012 when funding was reduced the college process elected to make the position full-time permanent.  First 5 funding was restored at ½ and the college picked up ½.  The permanent staff member retired in Spring  A part-time temporary specialist was hired for

Today … The ECE Department  is the largest department (number of majors) on campus.  consistently grants the highest number of certificates and degrees.  graduates attain AS degrees, ASTs and transfer w/out degrees.  collaborates with multiple external partners through our Advisory Committee and participation on multiple community boards.  Collaborates with the Skyline & CSM ECE programs and department.

Role of The Retention Specialist … The Program Services Coordinator:  Meets individually with over 600 students per year – ECE retention and success are higher than college average; On campus and at the Menlo Center.  Holds group orientation meetings each semester – enrollment is steady.  Visits ECE classes to update students on transfer activities.  Maintains First 5 data to support the grant – grant is changing.  Participates in outreach, recruitment, and communication including Facebook and other communications.  Collaborates with A2B and other campus initiatives.  Supports Business Division when necessary.  Helps students develop their education plan here and as they transfer.  Coordinates 2 major events each year and commencement celebration.

ECE –The Brave New Future That is Here  National focus on early care and learning. President included early care and education in the State of the Union  State Race To The Top San Mateo County is participating in Pre- Kindergarten Race to the Top activities.  State/Local First 5 Focus is shifting from general support to a focus on quality improvement – education.  SM County Office of Education Rich partnerships and collaborative projects.  National Head Start requiring teachers with BAs in each classroom: San Mateo is not yet compliant!

ECE – The Brave New Future Yet to Come  BA Child & Adolescent Development – San Francisco State  MA Early Childhood Education/ECE Credential – San Francisco State  BS Completion Early Childhood Teaching – University of Washington  New ECE Teacher Education Hub  ECE Certificates, Degrees  Transfer Degrees  Elementary Education Focus  New TK ECE requirement