Kiddie Academy Partners with ECSC

Early Childhood Service Corps connects generations to address critical needs

By: Mikayla Apodaca

The Early Childhood Service Corps (ECSC) is transforming lives across Colorado by addressing two critical challenges: the shortage of staff in early childhood education centers and the health risks associated with loneliness and social isolation among older adults. Through free virtual training and intergenerational connection, ECSC empowers individuals 50 and older to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

We are currently recruiting for our seventh cohort, and registration closes on Dec. 13, 2024. Participants will begin training in January and can choose from several impactful roles:

Encore substitutes: After completing virtual training, become certified substitute teachers in early childhood education centers. These positions offer flexibility and opportunities for paid work.

Classroom volunteers: Assist with reading, crafts and small group activities in early learning environments.

Volunteer business advisors: Use your professional expertise to support childcare centers with operations and management.

Since its inception, ECSC has grown to include over 200 active volunteers who are enriching early learning environments while building meaningful intergenerational connections.

Fostering intergenerational relationships

At ECSC, we believe that bringing generations together benefits everyone. Children in early childhood programs thrive under the nurturing care and wisdom of older adults, while volunteers experience personal fulfillment through these relationships.a

Intergenerational engagement helps create stronger, more empathetic communities. It bridges the gap between ages, offering older adults a sense of purpose and belonging while fostering trust and connection among children.

One volunteer described their experience: “The FLC truly appreciates having me and has welcomed me as a substitute teacher. The kids, staff, and families are all thrilled when I am there. The work is rewarding and fills my heart as I am helping in small, subtle, but positive ways!”

Accessible training and inclusive opportunities

ECSC’s free, virtual training ensures that all volunteers feel confident and prepared to step into their roles. Whether you’re working directly with children or supporting behind the scenes, ECSC provides comprehensive resources and ongoing support.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to ECSC’s mission. We actively recruit participants from diverse backgrounds and offer resources — such as access to technology — to ensure the program is accessible to all.

A growing impact

What started as a small initiative has grown into a powerful movement. ECSC has already trained hundreds of older adults who now serve as encore substitutes, classroom volunteers, and volunteer business advisors. These volunteers are filling critical gaps in early childhood education and creating lasting connections that benefit both generations.

We are proud to announce that recruitment for our eighth cohort will begin in April 2025, with training sessions starting in July 2025. This ensures ECSC remains a valuable resource for both older adults and early childhood education centers in the years to come.

Join us today

If you’re 50 or older and looking for a way to make a difference, ECSC is the perfect opportunity. We invite you to join us for an in-person information session at 6 p.m. Dec. 4, 2024, at Kiddie Academy Windsor. This session will provide an overview of the program and how you can get involved.

For added convenience, we also host virtual information sessions every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and Thursday at 4 p.m. to answer questions and help you get started.

Don’t miss your chance to join a movement that is changing lives. Registration for the seventh cohort ends Dec. 13, 2024.

To learn more about ECSC and how you can be part of this transformative program, visit our website (https://earlychildhoodservicecorps.org/) or contact us today. Together, we can build a brighter future for Colorado’s children and communities — one intergenerational connection at a time.

Mikayla Apodaca is recruitment coordinator for ECSC.