4Cs Receives $666K Grant for Early Education Students

WEST BARNSTABLE – Cape Cod Community College has received a $666,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care to support early childhood educators.

Students who enroll at the college for the Early Childhood Education Associates Degree or Certificate programs, and remain is good academic standing, will be eligible to use the grant funding to cover the costs of tuition or text books.

The College offers an Early Childhood Education Career Option that awards an Associates Degree, an Early Childhood Education Transfer Compact program also awards an Associates Degree, and two Certificate programs in Infant and Toddler care and Preschool education.

Classes for Early Childhood Education are enrolling now for the Spring 2020 semester, beginning on January 21.

As a part of the grant, the College is now offering a new Child Development Associate certificate option, designed for entry-level educators and career changers.

Students in the CDA Plus program take three-four grant-funded courses, earn a stipend, assemble a teaching portfolio, and earn a credential that is good in all 50 states and that satisfies EEC’s educational requirements for Teacher and Lead Teacher.

“We are thrilled that Massachusetts EEC has seen the power of our Early Childhood Education program and they are recognizing the talent of our students,” said John Cox, President of Cape Cod Community College.

“This is a huge win for our future early childhood educators of our region. With this grant, the sometimes daunting burden of tuition and textbooks will be relieved so they can focus on gaining the educational and professional skills they’ll need to thrive in the field.”

By enrolling in any of those options at the college, students will also have the opportunity to earn a Child Development Associate credential before graduation, which is considered the first, best step in starting a career in the field.

At the college, students take three grant-funded college courses designed to meet the professional development requirements of the CDA and get coaching, on-site support, tutoring, advising, book vouchers, and a stipend to help them towards success.

The CDA can lead to Teach certification in Massachusetts and, with experience, can also qualify students as Lead Teachers.

“With the Spring semester just weeks away, we’re excited to have this grant ready to support a new wave of Early Childhood Education students at Cape Cod Community College,” said Mary Cronin, Director of the Early Childhood Career Pathways Grant at the college.

“Between the grant funds now available to support them, and the benefit of the CDA credentialing before they even reach graduation, our program is second-to-none in terms of preparing students for successful careers.”

Registration is now open for the Spring 2020 semester, and applications for the Early Childhood Education program are being accepted. To learn more about the EEC grant and to apply, contact Mary Cronin at [email protected] or call 774-330-4417.

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