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Caregivers Corner - April 2002
Collaborative Efforts Support Employment
Preparation
The Institute�s �English at Work: English as a Second Language for Eldercare Workers� is at the heart of a recently launched collaborative effort underway in Reading, Pennsylvania. Our specialized curriculum offers 60 hours of �English as a Second Language� (ESL) instruction, and provides a working knowledge of the terminology and concepts that are unique to employment in an eldercare environment.
Early in 2002, a unique partnership was forged among several organizations to offer specialized pre-employment training and job opportunities to Spanish speaking members of the Reading community. Through this partnership, several organizations are offering their collective resources to prepare Hispanic residents for careers in long term care using the Institute�s ESL curriculum.
During the initial pilot course, each sponsoring organization contributed specific resources to the project:
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The Hispanic Center of Reading-Berks assisted in the identification and recruitment of students. |
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The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks provided initial screening and assessment of applicants and contributed the instructor. |
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The Institute provided the course curriculum, student books and project coordination. |
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Spruce Manor, an Extendicare nursing center, provided classroom space and is one of the potential employers of the program�s graduates. |
Upon successful completion of ESL instruction, graduates of the pilot program wanting to specialize as nurse aides will be able to enroll in a state-approved nursing assistant training program offered by Reading Area Community College.
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The initial class began in mid January and graduated 7 students on March 27th. �We�re excited that Spruce Manor was able to be the host of this important project,� said administrator, Ken Beiler. �This is a win-win situation for everyone involved, and particularly important for our community, given the size of the Latino population. We look forward to helping the graduates begin rewarding careers in caregiving and hope to begin another class soon.� |
The Institute has received a grant from the Extendicare Foundation to continue training classes in 2002, and is currently pursuing funding to replicate of the program in Franklin County.
For more information about �English at Work� contact the Institute's Director of Educational Services.
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