‘CARE CREW’: New pilot program teaches Okaloosa teens childcare skills and business practices

The Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast partnered this summer to create the Care Crew, a pilot caregiving program that encouraged young people to become entrepreneurs while connecting with families needing care services.

• The program originated from Okaloosa County Commissioner Paul Mixon’s vision to support the local childcare workforce by equipping young learners with caregiving tools and introducing the early learning pathway to potential early childhood educators.

On August 6, eleven teens were recognized for successfully completing the program. Nine participants earned First Aid/CPR certification with support from the Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District and Chief Stapleton.

The Boys and Girls Clubs led weekly sessions covering best practices for food handling, health and safety, entrepreneurship and mentoring. The Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast provided tips for responsive caregiving and developmentally appropriate practices for children from birth to 5 years old.

• The program’s curriculum focused on caregiving business practices, including communication skills and gathering essential information such as allergies, emergency contacts and household routines before providing services.

Each Care Crew member received a care package for future caregiving work that included:

• A picnic blanket
• Children’s books
• First-aid kit courtesy of the Operation Child Care Project
• Notebook
• Flashlight
• In-kind donations from local businesses
• The packages also contained information about TEACH Scholarships for early educators.

The program aimed to create opportunities for young people to connect with community families while building entrepreneurial skills in the caregiving field.