From
right: Wayne Durkee, Associate Dean of Business and Public Service Technologies
at Durham Technical Community College, Ilene Britt, Director of the Early
Childhood Program at Durham Technical Community College, Harold G. Sellars,
Board Chair of Durham's Partnership for Children.
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Learner Link was designed to respond to the growing demand for quality child
care and education throughout Durham County. Research shows that the most
critical factor contributing to high quality child care is the level of
professional education of teachers. Well-educated teachers earn higher wages,
contribute to a stable workforce, and comprise a key component of the large and
vital child care industry.
The Learner Link project was also timed to coincide with changes to the state's
Star Rated Licensing system for child care facilities. The new rating system
puts greater emphasis on the education levels of child care employees, thereby
increasing the demand for professional education. Learner Link was designed to
fill this demand by offering flexible education and training opportunities for
child care employees.
Key components of the project include assessing distance learning needs and
resources at multiple levels, computer and internet skills training of the
workforce and agency personnel, faculty training, resource development and
long-term capacity building.
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