In Randolph County, nearly two-thirds of children under 6 live in a home where their single or both parents work. That is almost 6,000 children that will need some kind of care while parents are at work and we simply do not have enough available spaces in licensed childcare to serve that many families. Even taking into account family, friends, and neighbors that step up to help out families, there are still waiting lists and people displaced from the workforce due to inaccessible childcare. We know that many childcare centers currently aren’t operating at full capacity due to staffing issues. The answer seems simple, we need more early educators. Why do we need more early educators? Check out this blog to learn more.

The Randolph Partnership for Children knew that we had to begin with the early educators, and so the Randolph Supporting Teachers and Readying Talent, or Randolph START Academy was born. Through a grant from the Randolph County Commissioners and collaboration with community partners, we are proud to announce that we are accepting applications for the inaugural cohort of the Randolph START Academy.

To apply for the upcoming cohort of Randolph START, please complete the application below by Friday, February 6, 2026. The Academy will run February 16-27, 2026 from 9 am – 3 pm. To register you will need either a letter of recommendation from a licensed Randolph County Child Care Center OR a refundable deposit of $25.

What is Randolph START?

The Randolph S.T.A.R.T. Early Educator Academy is designed to speed up the process for individuals interested in becoming qualified childcare providers. Participants will graduate from the academy with the credentials necessary to teach in the classroom immediately. The program will be facilitated over a two-week timeframe and include a background check, health assessment, and several training opportunities. The program will conclude with a job fair where graduates can apply for positions within our local childcare programs.

What are the requirements?

Participants must be 18 years old and attend the academy for the duration of the two-week schedule, which will be Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-3:00 pm, where they will complete the following:

Background Check with Fingerprints through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and the local Sheriff’s Department
Health Assessment and a TB shot with a follow-up reading from a Health Professional
Attend and satisfy the requirements for virtual Health and Safety Trainings, an in-person NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development (NCFELD) Training, Playground Safety Training, and Emergency Preparedness and Response Training
Attend the Tour of a Childcare Program, complete Classroom Observations, and achieve satisfactory Classroom Participation
Pay a $25 refundable registration deposit OR provide a letter of recommendation from a licensed Randolph County childcare center

What does completing the program accomplish?

Upon completion of the above requirements, participants will graduate from the academy with a portfolio containing certificates of completion, a qualifying letter from DCDEE, and evidence of participation in the Randolph S.T.A.R.T academy