When you become a Work Ready Intern, you have access to the following benefits:

• Free college coursework classes in Early Childhood Education, provided by Chattanooga State Community College
• $15 per hour paid internships in a licensed child care facility for up to 15 hours per week
• $25 weekly travel stipends to commute to and from the Work Ready office or internship site
• A pathway towards permanent employment in the child care field
• One-on-one case management
• Connection to community resources for rent assistance, credit repair, etc.
• Retention bonuses after employment in a child care facility

If you are a Tennessee Department of Human Services licensed child care agency, apply to become a Work Ready host site and have access to the following benefits:

• $1,500 incentive paid to your facility per intern
• A pipeline of college educated talent with experience in the classroom
• $75 per week bonus for lead teachers for mentoring and supporting the Work Ready Intern

Work Ready partners with Chattanooga State Community College to offer satellite classes in Early Childhood at the Work Ready offices. Interns will complete the following courses, which take approximately seven weeks each to complete:

• Intro into Early Childhood Education
• Safe, Healthy Learning Environments
• Family Dynamics
• Curriculum

Prior to starting classes, our case managers will walk interns through the financial aid process at Chatt State, helping them to complete paperwork and file their applications. Those who are ineligible for financial aid will be directed to the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA), a community partner who covers tuition costs for those interested in the early childhood field.

Interns who have child care placements and have completed at least two of the above classes will be eligible for additional financial incentives through Child Care WAGE$® Tennessee.