Early childhood educators are essential workers and there is a renewed recognition of their importance in our communities. Quality early education supports our economy, provides access to equity for children and families, and creates an environment where our youngest citizens can thrive. Greenfield Community College recognizes the need for highly qualified educators and is launching a new Child Development Associate (CDA) and Early Childhood Education (ECE) Lead Teacher Certification Program.

This ECE Certificate/CDA Plus Cohort is a unique opportunity for qualified educators to expand skills and acquire advanced credentials in their field, all fully funded. The program prepares students for the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) certifications and the Child Development Associate Plus (CDA+) credential—the most widely recognized national credential for early educators.

The ECE Certificate/CDA Plus Cohort is supported by a grant from the Mass Department of Early Education and Care through the Career Pathways program making all classes free to eligible individuals currently working in the early childhood education and care field.

The ECE Certificate/CDA Plus Cohort begins Fall 2020 and is an accelerated program with 18 credits earned over three semesters. The program provides free tuition, fees, books and other materials, as well as teaching practicums, on-site observation, and specialized coaching. The Education Department's dedicated faculty have prepared a dynamic remote teaching and learning program with practicum experiences that are carefully monitored to meet the safety protocols required by the coronavirus.

Virtual Information Sessions for the ECE Certificate/CDA Plus Cohort are scheduled for June 25th at 7:00pm, July 15^th at 7:00pm, and July 16^th at 1:00pm when you will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more, register for a session online at https://env-greenfieldcc-dev.kinsta.cloud/education/career-pathways/

For students wanting to complete the Early Childhood Education Associate in Science degree at GCC, all ECE Certificate/CDA Plus Cohort credits can be applied. There are scholarships and funding programs available for associate and bachelor's degrees through Career Pathways and EEC scholarship programs.

For information or to apply online for the Fall 2020 ECE Certificate/CDA Plus Cohort visit go.gcc.mass.edu/cd, or contact Kim Audette at audettek@gcc.mass.edu. GCC's Education Department works with Early Childhood and OST Educators to advance their education and professional credentials.

For more information on the ECE Associate Degree Program at Greenfield Community please contact Peggy Martalock, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Education Program Director, at martalockp@gcc.mass.edu or 413.775.1118.