Grow Your Own Teacher Assistant Training Program

Have you thought about a career in education? Grow Your Own provides the training you’ll need to become a New York State certified Teacher Assistant - the first step in a lifelong career in education.

GYO combines hands-on experience in the classroom with professional development and exam preparation. Our intensive job-placement services help graduates find suitable positions at early childhood providers throughout the city.

The 6-week program is free for participants, and covers the costs of all mandated screenings, workshops, and tests.

Please review our eligibility criteria before you submit an application. Applicants must:

• be legally eligible to work in the United States

• be able to pass an NYC DOH background check

• be English proficient and able to pass a standardized ELA exam

• be at least 18 years old

• be able to provide physical proof of your high school diploma, high school equivalent, or GED (but education level should not exceed an Associate’s Degree)

If you have any questions about applying for the GYO program, please email gyo@kenchild.org.

Upcoming Training Cohorts

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and we will consider you for our next available training. Please note, submitting an application does not guarantee you a spot in our training program. All applicants are required to undergo an interview process.

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