GROW YOUR OWN IS A 6-week, IN-PERSON program. IT is free for participants, and covers the costs of all mandated screenings, workshops, and tests.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GYO BELOW:

HEAR FROM PAST AND CURRENT GYO PARTICIPANTS ABOUT HOW THE PROGRAM HAS IMPACTED THEIR LIVES.

 

GYO combines hands-on experience in the classroom with professional development and exam preparation. Our intensive job-placement services help graduates find suitable positions at early childhood providers throughout the city.

REQUIREMENTS

A love for children

  • This is the most important requirement for participation in GYO. We expect applicants to enjoy being around young children and to preferably have some previous experience working with children.

Based on New York State and New York City regulations, applicants must also:

  • be legally eligible to work in the United States

  • be able to pass an NYC DOH background check

  • be English proficient and able to pass a standardized ELA exam

  • be at least 18 years old

  • be able to provide physical proof of your high school diploma, high school equivalent, or GED (but education level should not exceed an Associate’s Degree)

SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

A GMAIL EMAIL ACCOUNT IS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION AND TRAINING

Upcoming Trainings
Now accepting applications for 2025!

Cohort 26: February 25th - April 11, 2025

Cohort 27: May 5th - June 18th, 2025

Cohort 28: July 8th - August 15th, 2025 ( Subject to change)

Cohort 29: September 15th - October 31st, 2025 ( Subject to change)

Cohort 30: November 6th - December 19th, 2025 ( Subject to change)

Manhattan location: 2212 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10035

A GMAIL EMAIL ACCOUNT IS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION AND TRAINING

Bronx location: 1028 East 179th Street, Bronx, NY 10460

A GMAIL EMAIL ACCOUNT IS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION AND TRAINING

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and we will consider you for our next available training. Please note, submitting an application does not guarantee you a spot in our training program. All applicants are required to undergo an interview process.

MEET OUR GYO TRAINERS

Recruitment, training, and job placement is facilitated by our talented Workforce Coordinators:

Shayquana Elliott Cordes

selliott@kenchild.org 

Workforce Coordinator

Sharifa Cohen

scohen@kenchild.org

Workforce Coordinator

Already have your Teaching Assistant certification and are interested in becoming a certified teacher?

Support GYO at KCC

Grow Your Own is made possible by the generosity of our donor community. You can make a real difference in the lives of children, families, and early childhood professionals by donating today.

GROW YOUR OWN IS POSSIBLE THANKS TO:

THE STELLA AND CHARLES GUTTMAN FOUNDATION

NEW YORK COMMUNITY TRUST

THE PINKERTON FOUNDATION

THE NEW YORK CITY HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION (HRA)

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK

THE TD CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

PAYCOM

NFP