Community Corner
Get ready for your Early Childhood Education career at NCC
Fall registration is open now at Nashua Community College
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Now is a great time to get started toward a career in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Nashua Community College has flexible online and in-person college courses and seamless transfer pathways with four-year partners for ECE grads. New tuition assistance programs can also help cut educational costs.
“Career opportunities for NCC ECE graduates are plentiful, and 90 percent of ECE students transfer to 4-year colleges,” said Lisa Furman, professor, and program coordinator of the ECE program at NCC.
NCC has transfer pathways with Franklin University, Keene State College, Granite State College, SNHU, Rivier University, Plymouth State College, and New England College. “Students continue their education in ECE teaching, child psychology, public policy, special education, and music therapy for young children,” said Furman. Students with their associate degree work as infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten lead teachers at childcare centers. Some students become center directors after completing a childcare management course, continue to Montessori education, or work as para-educators in public or private schools.
High-Demand Jobs
New Hampshire has a shortage of early childhood educators, and new tuition assistance programs are here to help support future grads. “New Hampshire offers grants for students working 20 hours per week in childcare centers, and the ‘NH TEACH Program’ is partnering with childcare centers to provide tuition assistance and bonuses for their employees that work 30 hours a week and take ECE courses,” said Furman.
Early Childhood Tuition Assistance (ECTA): Students can take two free ECE courses if they work at least 20 hours per week in the ECE field. Additional support is provided to assist students as they work to earn the NH Early Childhood Professional Credential. ECTA is available through the Community College System of New Hampshire’s partnership with Granite State College and the DHHS Division of Children Youth & Families. Learn more and apply online.
T.E.A.C.H. Program: The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) Initiative provides scholarships for ECE students who work at least 30 hours per week in ECE. They also agree to remain at the sponsoring center for at least 1-year following the completion of their scholarship contract. T.E.A.C.H. See more information about the program online.
Flexibility for Working Students
The ECE program at NCC offers online, day, and evening courses to fit the schedules of working students, with many courses available 100 percent online. Associate degree students have flexible course options and classes available in the Fall and Spring terms. Students can also earn their Associate Teacher Certificate in one semester, or their Lead Teacher Certificate in two semesters.
To find out more and apply, sign up for an information session, or visit nashuacc.edu.
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