Image: From left to right, back row: Kathleen Quinn, ALC Coordinator; Marie Carmita B. Jean; Willie Wilson, ALC instructor; Leia Fernandes; Tiana Teixeira; Ann Lafavore, AHT instructor; Gladys Contreras; Myrtho Lubin, and Libby Reichman, AHT instructor
Front row: Fatima Silva, Dana Joseph, Lucileide Miller, and Roniva dePina
Local and state legislators recently joined family members, friends, teachers and school administrators to celebrate the accomplishments of Brockton's newest certified nursing assistant (CNA) graduates. The December 19 ceremony marked the successful completion of Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) training by nine CNAs eager to join the booming health care industry.
According to ALC Coordinator Kathleen Quinn, the CNA course was developed as a collaborative effort between the Brockton Public Schools Adult Learning Center, the MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board, the Academy for Healthcare Training, and the Baypointe Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center. It was made possible by a grant awarded to the Adult Learning Center by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to fund CNA and civics training free of charge for one cohort of English language learners during FY2018 and two cohorts in FY2019. "The program has enjoyed great success, as 100 percent of the Spring 2018 cohort passed the state exam," said Quinn. "We expect the same great results for our Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 students."
The nine Fall 2018 participants were selected from a field of over 100 applicants via a rigorous screening test required for acceptance into the program. Phase one, comprised of eight weeks of study at the ALC with a certified classroom teacher, featured curriculum specifically adapted to the needs of English language learners. This study period was followed by 90 hours of CNA/Home Health Aide training that included specialized care for Alzheimer's patients and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); instruction was provided by the Academy for Healthcare Training in a simulated clinical lab made available at a discounted rate by MassHire. Next came a 28-hour supervised practicum at the Baypointe Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Brockton. The course concluded with a return to the ALC classroom for two weeks of intensive review and preparation for the state exam. All nine newly-minted CNAs passed their prerequisites with flying colors and are ready for the test.
In addition to receiving their CNA training certificates, each graduate was awarded a citation signed by Massachusetts Representatives Claire Cronin and Gerard Cassidy and by Massachusetts State Senator Michael Brady. Superintendent of Schools Kathleen A. Smith, JD made the presentations at a celebration in the graduates' honor at the Adult Learning Center.
The Spring 2019 cohort of 10 new students begins on January 7. For more information, follow the Brockton Adult Learning Center on Facebook or call 508-580-7475.