Grow Your Own (GYO) 1.0 is a FREE, 7-week, in-person training program that covers all required screenings, workshops, and exams — helping you earn your New York State Teacher Assistant certification.
REQUIREMENTS
Based on New York State and New York City regulations, applicants must:
be at least 18 years old
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
United States Education- be able to provide proof of a:
High School Diploma OR Transcript
High School Equivalency OR General Educational Development (GED)
Associate’s Degree (education level should not exceed an Associate’s Degree)
Foreign Education- be able to provide proof of:
High School Diplomas (education type varies, must be verified and approved)
College Degrees (education type varies, must be verified and approved)
a love for children
Love for children is the most important requirement for joining GYO! Applicants should genuinely enjoy being around children and be prepared to gain experience working with children in a school setting.
Maximizing Our Impact
GYO seeks to assist aspiring educators who face the highest barriers to the education field. We prioritize trainees who are unemployed or underemployed, who may be receiving public benefits, and who does not exceed our education level requirement.
We applaud all adults who want to work with children with special needs! GYO is a supportive training program and is NOT a requirement for certification. If you are not accepted into the GYO program, you can pursue certification on your own. Visit the NYSED website to learn more about initial TA certification and alternate pathways to teacher certification.
GYO Upcoming Trainings & Locations
Cohort 33: October 13, 2026 - November 25, 2026 (subject to change)
Cohort 33 Brooklyn: November 2nd, 2026 - December 16th, 2026 (subject to change)
Cohort 34: February 3rd, 2027 - March 25th, 2027 (Recess: February 15 - February 19th) (subject to change)
Cohort 35: May 10th, 2027 - June 23rd, 2027 (subject to change)
Manhattan location:
2212 3rd Ave.
New York, NY 10035
BROOKLYN LOCATION:
201 Conselyea Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
483 Clermont Ave,
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Bronx location:
1028 E. 179th St.
Bronx, NY 10460
We are so grateful for your interest! At this time, We are not accepting applications.
We welcome you to join our waitlist below.
Please note, submitting an application does not guarantee you a spot in our training program.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and each applicant is required to undergo an interview
that may then lead to your enrollment into our Teacher Assistant Training.
Questions about GYO 1.0?
Email us at gyorecruitment@kenchild.org
Meet the Team Behind the Mission
Empowering Educators. Building Careers. Strengthening Communities.
Our GYO Team brings talent, dedication, and purpose to every step of the journey — recruiting aspiring educators, delivering impactful training, and connecting participants to meaningful career opportunities in education.
luisa perry
Workforce Coordinator
Johnetta Cuff
Workforce Coordinator
Cristina Moreta
Teaching Assistant Support Coordinator (TASC)
LEARN MORE ABOUT GYO BELOW:
Hear from our GYO alumni as they share their stories of growth, new opportunities, and the program’s lasting impact on their lives and careers.
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.
Already have your Teaching Assistant certification and are interested in becoming a certified teacher?
Support GYO at KCC
Grow Your Own is made possible by the generosity of our donor community. You can make a real difference in the lives of children, families, and early childhood professionals by donating today.