Ticket2Teach Program Addresses Early Educator Shortage with 25 New Enrollments

Demand is High for Childcare Workers on the Central Coast 

SLO Partners, a leading provider of apprenticeship programs in California, today announced its Ticket2Teach program has successfully enrolled 25 prospective teachers. 

The program is designed to address the shortage of early educators by offering aspiring preschool teachers the chance to earn while they learn, access professional development opportunities, and receive dedicated career and educational support.

"We are thrilled to see such strong enrollment numbers for the Ticket2Teach program," said Dr. James Brescia, Superintendent of the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education (SLOCOE). "By addressing the critical shortage of early childhood educators, Ticket2Teach is making a direct and positive impact on the San Luis Obispo community. With these 25 new enrollments, we are taking a significant step towards meeting the increasing demand for qualified preschool teachers and providing quality early education for our children."

Raechelle Bowlay, Childcare Planning Council Coordinator, shared her thoughts about the program's impact on the community. "The response we've received from prospective teachers has been overwhelmingly positive," she said. "Ticket2Teach is improving the availability and accessibility of high-quality childcare services in San Luis Obispo County. By equipping these aspiring educators with the necessary skills and support, we are positively shaping the lives of children and families while strengthening our community as a whole."

San Luis Obispo County, like many other regions, has experienced a growing demand for early childhood education, surpassing the current capacity of the workforce. The scarcity of qualified educators has created challenges for families seeking reliable and high-quality childcare options. 

The Ticket2Teach program addresses this issue by equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to access a career in the field. With the completion of the program, the county will gain 25 skilled preschool teachers ready to meet the demands of the community and provide high-quality childcare services.

Local organizations and employers interested in hiring apprentices from the Ticket2Teach program can learn more at https://ticket2teach.org/partners. If you are interested in becoming a student, please visit our website ticket2teach.org.

For more information about the Ticket2Teach program please visit ticket2teach.org. For recruitment opportunities please contact Joe Koski, Ed.D., Executive Director of Educational Support Services at jkoski@slocoe.org or 805-782-7267.

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About SLO Partners (www.slopartners.org)

SLO Partners is a leading provider of career upskilling and modern apprenticeship programs in California and a winner of the 2020 CA Partnership for Industry and Education award. Formed in 2014 as an initiative of the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, its mission is to create accelerated career pathways allowing residents to earn head-of-household incomes, while simultaneously solving a skilled talent shortage for local, growing businesses. The nonprofit has produced several intensive upskilling programs: FullStack Software Developer, Software Testing, IT Networking, Precision Manufacturing, and Digital Marketing. Together, these have produced over 150 career opportunities in SLO County in tech and manufacturing roles creating a $5M local annual economic impact. For more information watch the ‘SLO Partners: How it Works’ video and visit www.slopartners.org.