WNC News & Notes: Community groups aid Child Development Center

The Western Nevada College Child Development Center will be able to improve services to WNC students and local children, thanks to two community organizations.

The Children's Cabinet and Nevada Early Intervention Services have each contributed funds to assist the center, which serves children whose parents attend WNC as well as community children and those with special needs.

The center received a $550 grant from the Children's Cabinet and a $400 allocation from Nevada Early Intervention Services.

"Every year, the Children's Cabinet offers small center improvement grants to participating centers," said Director Andrea Doran.

"This year, we were able to receive funds to help improve our playground," including new tricycle safety helmets, more bark for underneath the play structure, and new sand for the sandbox.

"We are also very fortunate to be able to provide respite care for children with special needs," Doran said. "They are able to participate in our toddler classroom while receiving support from developmental specialists." The funds from Early Intervention Services will purchase new classroom materials.

In addition, Doran said, "We will be opening a second toddler classroom this year to better serve the needs of the of WNC students and the community."

Certification, licensing classes filling up

Seats are still available in Western Nevada College fall certification and licensing preparation classes. A broad array of courses can help prepare students to take state or other certified licensing exams designed to improve job readiness. While the preparatory classes are filling up, some sections still have openings. They include:

Certified Inspector of Structures Preparation: A series of four classes (CONS 260, CONS 261, CONS 262 and CONS 263, a total of 10 units) provide the training to become licensed as a certified inspector of residential structures.

Essentials of Information Technology (CIT 161, multiple sessions, 3 units) uses web-based labs and an online web classroom to provide an introduction to practical networking and computer security in preparation for the CompTIA Security+ exam.

Microsoft Networking III (CIT 213-1001, class # 80643, 4 units) offers the basic skills and knowledge to configure and maintain a Microsoft Windows Network Infrastructure and readies students for the Window Server 2008 Active Directory Exam.

Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Refresher (EMS 109-1001, class # 80226, 2 units) is available for EMTs who are seeking to maintain their certification. The class requires completion of Healthcare Provider CPR (EMS 100, 0.5 units). WNC is offering multiple sections this fall.

Engine Performance II/Emission Control (AUTO 227-1001, class # 80682, 4 units) is one of seven classes that prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

Welding Certification Preparation (WELD 250, multiple sections, 3 units): Students are introduced to the many certifications available by meeting the standards of the American Welding Society codes. Also covers instruction on code certification required by the American Petroleum Institute and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 27. For information about any of WNC's career certification preparation opportunities, call 775-445-3000 or visit www.wnc.edu.