Higher Ed Perspective on TEACH: Kristin Habicht

Early childhood professionals are vital and invaluable to our state’s economy. We provide the care that other industries depend upon so that their workforce can do their jobs. Research also demonstrates that children have the best outcomes when their teachers have college classes, certificates and degrees in early care and education. These facts clearly illustrate the importance of TEACH and the scholarships they provide students. TEACH provides scholarship funds to assist with tuition and fees but they also work to remove other barriers that prevent students from beginning or staying in college. Colorado has many pathways to become an early childhood teacher or director but higher education provides stepping stones and opportunities that will allow early childhood professionals to advance in their careers and ultimately earn a worthy wage.

As we look to the future, the early childhood profession will need leaders that have strong foundational knowledge in ECE as well as experience. TEACH provides the opportunity for students to begin and continue their college goals but TEACH is also providing a future of well-equipped early childhood leaders. The investment today will continue to impact our field in years to come.

– Kristin Habicht, Arapahoe Community Community and TEACH Advisory Committee Member