Program Director of CASA speaks to SGTC Early Childhood Care and Education students
South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) Early Childhood Care and Education students on SGTC’s Americus campus recently had the pleasure of welcoming SOWEGA CASA (Southwest Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates for children) Program Director Stephanie Bennett to their classroom. SGTC Early Childhood Care and Education instructor Jaye Cripe invited Bennett to her Social Issues and Family Involvement and Guidance and Classroom Management classes to talk about the impact CASA has on regional families and children. CASA is a volunteer-powered network of committed, trained individuals working to ensure the safety, dignity, and nurturing of children in our local community. SOWEGA CASA serves twelve counties, with the state of Georgia receiving approximately 250 child abuse and neglect reports with 33 reports confirmed daily. “CASA volunteers provide a voice for children in court by making sure their best interests are considered by the courts, social service system, and community service providers, thus assuring the child’s right to an appropriate placement and permanent home,” said Bennett. About 15,000 children come through the foster care system per year, with substance abuse as a leading factor in many of the family crisis situations. “CASA promotes safety, permanence, and well-being of children,” Bennett explained. “We work with DFCS (Department of Family and Children Services) and the judicial system to determine the best possible solution for the children involved.” “The CASA presentation served as a meaningful component to enrich our Social Issues and Family Involvement and Guidance and Classroom Management courses here at SGTC,” said Cripe. “As SGTC Early Childhood Care and Education students prepare for overall success in their field, they are becoming aware of the many services and community resources offered to children and families.” SGTC offers the Early Childhood Care and Education degree and diploma program on both the Americus and Crisp County Center campus. For more information about the program in Americus, call Jaye Cripe at 229.931.2743 or email jcripe@southgatech.edu. For information about the Crisp County Center campus program, call Lisa Penton at 229.271.4062 or email lpenton@southgatech.edu. SGTC will register for fall semester on Thursday, August 11th. Fall semester begins Monday, August 15th. Additional financial aid is available to HOPE eligible students in the following programs through the SIWDG (Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant): Commercial Truck Driving, Diesel Equipment Technology, Early Childhood Care and Education, Electronics Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, Machine Tool Technology, Medical Coding, Networking Specialist, Nurse Aide, Phlebotomy Technician, Practical Nursing, and Welding and Joining Technology. Call 229.931.2319 in Americus or 229.271.4043 in Cordele for more information about these additional funds. SGTC offers over 200 degree, diploma, and certificate programs. South Georgia Tech continues to offer textbooks at no cost to students (excluding consumables such as workbooks and other supplies) through the Free Books program. For more information, call 800.928.0283 or visit the website at www.southgatech.edu.