Midland College is restructuring their early childhood program.

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) -Midland College has formed a new partnership with UTPB to restructure their early childhood care program.

Midland College did not see the success they were hoping to see when they implemented the early childhood program, but they partnered up with UTPB hoping they can have more success in the future.

With the lack of childcare across the Permian basin.

The Midland college board of trustees voted to restructure the program to have more teachers employed in the region.

“It’s really important that we do everything we can to generate that interest and help those potential students and graduates with their certification to get into the school system,” said UTPB Sandy Woodley.

Midland college is aiming to transform the way they recruit and retain students.

“Resources that we allocated to our own bachelorette program will be diverted to a specific focus on recruitment and retention with the intent then to transfer those students to University of Texas at Permian basin.” said Midland College president, Damon Kennedy.

The partnership between UTPB and Midland college aims to make a smooth process for students to earn their teacher certification and start work in the Permian basin.

“Our intention is to have a situation where a student really doesn’t know whether they are in midland college or UTPB transferring will be seamless and the process of certification much more efficient.” said Damon Kennedy.

The program needed to be restructured because of low student enrollment.

Damon Kennedy, the president of Midland college has new goals in place for the restructured program.

“Increase the number of completions of an associate degree at the college by significant numbers and then increase the number of students transferring to UTPB and completing their certification. We have a critical teacher shortage in our region, and we think this is the best path in meeting that demand.” said Damon Kennedy.

All of the faculty and staff members who are currently in the program will stay enrolled.

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