BOCES expands adult ed program into Eaton Center

NORWICH – High unemployment means that continuing education classes are in high demand. So high in fact that DCMO BOCES will soon be opening a satellite campus at the Eaton Center in order to expand their offerings to include a greater number of educational opportunities for those looking to sharpen their job skills or explore other career options,

According to Pauline Stamp, Coordinator of Adult Education Programs at DCMO BOCES, The need for these types of program has increased substantially since the district expanded the Chenango Campus. As a result, there are waiting lists for the business courses they currently offer at the North Norwich location, as well as for both the Licensed Practical Nurse and Certified Nursing Assistant programs.

In addition, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Labor and CDO Workforce are constantly referring clients to the program.

“To be able to offer the programs they are looking for, we need the additional space,” Stamp said.

The first floor wing at the Eaton Center which BOCES has leased is currently being renovated to accommodate their needs. Once complete, the 6,500 square foot space will include a financial aid/reception office and 5 classrooms arranged around a central hallway. Each of the classrooms, Stamp said, will be adequately sized to accommodate up to 25 students.

Two of the rooms will be a dedicated classroom and lab for the LPN and CNA programs, similar to the one at the Chenango Campus. There will also be a dedicated class for the Leading EDGE program. The two remaining rooms will be revolving classrooms.

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‘They will all be furnished with computers and smartboards,” Stamp said, explaining that much of the equipment is coming from the DCMO BOCES component districts as they upgrade.

Courses that will be offered in the winter 2010 semester will include existing offerings such as Leading EDGE, CNA, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and infection control training. In addition, new health field certification programs will be offered for EKG, pharmacy and surgical technicians as well as a new physical therapy aide program and medical transcription. A Microsoft Office specialist training course and GED fast track program will also be offered at the Eaton Center location, Stamp reported.