Early Childhood Education Career Pathways Grant

Let Massasoit Take You to the Next Step in Your Career.

Massasoit Community College is pleased to offer students the opportunity to participate in the Early Education and Care Career Pathways Grant which provides funding for students to engage in coursework that leads to the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, as well as MA Early Education and Care (EEC) Teacher, Lead Teacher, Director I and Director II certifications.

Through funding from the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the state is investing in the knowledge, skills and professional preparation of early childhood practitioners in the state. Early childhood practitioners include anyone who has the responsibility for the education and care of children birth through eight within the state’s mixed delivery system.

The CDA Plus program provides a minimum of nine transferable early childhood college credits as practitioners work towards obtainment of their CDA Credential. This national credential recognizes that candidates who earn the CDA are well prepared to foster the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of young children. Having a CDA advances an educator’s career and contributes to the status of the profession

Early childhood professional certification is required for anyone wanting to work in a licensed group early learning program. Applicants may receive certifications as they progress along their professional pathway. The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) offers six types of Professional Qualifications Certification:

Infant-toddler Teacher
Infant-toddler Lead Teacher
Preschool Teacher
Preschool Lead Teacher
Director I
Director II

The Career Pathway program at Massasoit is designed to help Early Childhood Educators enter and leave as is best for them. It is designed to help educators build upon past coursework to reach their next goal. The EEC Career Pathways have Grant Academic and Career Advisors to help you. Please reach out to us with any questions – we are here for you!

Candidates must be working in the Early Childhood field to be eligible for this grant.

Applications for the Summer session are now open.

The Career Pathways Grant is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and has provided community colleges across the Commonwealth with funding for professional development opportunities and higher education certificate and degree attainment for early childhood education and out-of-school time educators.

*Applicants must be working or have been working in the Early Childhood field or intend to work in the Early Childhood field within six (6) months to qualify for courses.

Click here to apply.

Summer 2023 Course Offerings

Free College Courses

Advance on your career pathway now with college courses that lead to CDA and EEC Teacher Certification. (Textbooks are provided, a limited number of Chromebooks may be available.)

*Denotes a department course. The grant will purchase seats for qualifying grant students.

ECED 101 – Positive Guidance | 3 Credits (FULL– Waitlist applications only)
Formerly CCED 101. This course provides the student with an introduction to principles involved with positive guidance in the young child (through age eight). Strong relationships, positive interactions between adults and children, along with effective learning environments are explored. The influence of culture, customs, family, peers, and community and their effect on children’s behavior are studied. Prerequisites: ENGL 092 Preparing for College Reading II and ENGL 099 Introductory Writing; waiver by placement testing results; or departmental approval.
Option 1 – Summer I & II, 10-week course, 5/29/23 – 8/8/23 Zoom/Hybrid course Meets on Wednesday nights on zoom 6:30pm to 7:50pm (FULL– Waitlist applications only)
Option 2* –Summer Session II 5-week course, 7/5/23 – 8/8/23, Online Length: 5 weeks

ECED 102 – Development in Early Childhood | 3 Credits (FULL– Waitlist applications only)
Formerly CCED 102. This course introduces the student to a child’s developmental growth from pre-natal stages to seven years of age. Developmental landmarks are studied as they relate to an early childhood setting. The importance of recognizing individual as well as cultural differences and various rates and patterns of growth is emphasized. A grade of C or higher is required for graduation.
Prerequisites: ENGL 092 Preparing for College Reading II and ENGL 099 Introductory Writing; waiver by placement testing results; or department approval.
Option 1 – Summer I & II, 10-week course, 5/29/23 – 8/8/23 Zoom/Hybrid course Meets on Tuesday nights on zoom 6:30pm to 7:50pm
Option 2* – Summer I & II, 10-week course, 5/29/23 – 8/8/23 Online

ECED 105* – Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 Credits
Formerly CCED 105. This course gives the beginning student in early education an overview of Early Childhood Education from a philosophical, historical, multicultural, and economic point of view. Students gain understanding of how early childhood education has influenced the profession. Prerequisites: ENGL 092 Preparing for College Reading II and ENGL 099 Introductory Writing; waiver by placement testing results; or departmental approval.
Summer I, 5-week course, 5/29/23 – 6/30/23 Online (Does require four in-person program observations)

ECED 111 – Early Childhood Curriculum: A Multi-Cultural Perspective | 3 Credits
Formerly CCED 111. The course explores the development and implementation of curriculum in an early childhood setting. It facilitates ways of integrating differing languages, customs, and traditions into the curriculum so children develop greater self-esteem and a broader understanding and appreciation of their own ethnic heritage and the ethnic heritage of others. The instructor and students design activities to reflect this multi-cultural perspective. A grade of C or higher is required for graduation. Prerequisite: ECED 102 Development in Early Childhood (formerly CCED 102) completed with a grade of C or higher; or departmental approval.
Summer I & II, 10-week course, 5/29/23 – 8/8/23, Online Zoom/Hybrid course Meets on Thursday nights on zoom 6:30pm to 7:50pm

ECED 112 – Health, Nutrition, and Safety Needs of the Young Child | 3 Credits (FULL– Waitlist applications only)
Formerly CCED 112. The dynamics of health, safety, and nutrition as they relate to the child’s development and environment is explored. The student identifies problems that may occur in an early childhood setting: poor nutrition, safety dangers, or child abuse. Advocacy for young children is encouraged. As advocates, students develop methods of assessment, reporting, and referral. The student is introduced to first-aid techniques by the completion of the course.
Prerequisites: ENGL 092 Preparing for College Reading II and ENGL 099 Introductory Writing; waiver by placement testing results; or departmental approval.
Summer Session II, 5-week course, 7/5/23 – 8/8/23, Online

ECED 201 – Administration, Supervision, and Management of Child Care Programs | 3 credits (FULL– Waitlist applications only)
Formerly CCED 201. This course emphasizes the importance of thoughtful planning and administration for the success of early childhood programs. Special attention is given to understanding organizational structure; budgeting; and personnel recruitment, selection, and supervision. Ways to develop and implement philosophical goals and their relationship to the children, families, staff, and the community are discussed. All Massachusetts state standards, guidelines, and licensing regulations are thoroughly covered.
Prerequisite: ECED 102 Development in Early Childhood (formerly CCED 102) completed with a grade of C or higher, ECED 105 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (formerly CCED 105), or PSYC 202 Child Psychology; or departmental approval.
Summer Session II, 5-week course, 7/5/23 – 8/8/23, Online

ECED 211 – Child Care Policies and Issues | 3 credits (FULL– Waitlist applications only)
Formerly CCED211 This course is designed to give the participant an overview of the growing field of early childhood. Topics focus on a variety of issues such as administration, child abuse, laws and regulations, and historical and social issues as they relate to early childhood today. Prerequisite: ECED 102 Development in Early Childhood (formerly CCED 102) completed with a grade of C or higher, ECED 105 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (formerly CCED 105), or PSYC 202 Child Psychology; or departmental approval.
Summer Session II, 5-week course, 7/5/23 – 8/8/23, Online

ECED 231 – Infant Toddler Curriculum | 3 credits
Formerly CCED 231. This course explores how the development stages relating to the first three years should impact the care of infants and toddlers. The student examines physical, psychological, linguistic, and cognitive development from birth to age three. Emphasis is placed on designing developmentally-appropriate activities; understanding the importance of health, nutrition, and feeding practices; equipping space; and nurturing self-esteem in the early childhood setting. Prerequisite: ECED 102 Development in Early Childhood (formerly CCED 102) completed with a grade of C or higher or PSYC 202 Child Psychology; or departmental approval.
Summer Session II, 5-weeks course, 7/5/23 – 8/8/23, Schedule TBD

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Enrolling in courses at Massasoit requires students to meet College Reading and Writing standards. You may demonstrate this by:

Taking the Accuplacer assessment. Call 508-588-9100 x1991 or x1992 to schedule an appointment.
A college degree transcript or
Certified Accuplacer results from another college, or
Submitting documentation that meets a Multiple Measures criterion.
Requesting a waiver from the Division Dean based on previous college experience

*Applicants must be working or have been working in the Early Childhood field or intend to work in the Early Childhood field within six (6) months to qualify for courses

For questions about enrolling
contact Susan Driscoll at
sdriscol3@massasoit.mass.edu
or call 508-588-9100 x1914

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

TESTING AND ASSESSMENT
Enrolling in courses at Massasoit requires students to meet College Reading and Writing standards. You may demonstrate this by:

1. Taking the Accuplacer assessment. Call 508-588-9100 x1991 or x1992 to schedule an appointment.

2. A college degree transcript or

3. Certified Accuplacer results from another college, or

4. Submitting documentation that meets a Multiple Measures criterion.

5. Requesting a waiver from the Division Dean based on previous college experience.

The Career Pathways Grant is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and has provided community colleges across the Commonwealth with funding for professional development opportunities and higher education certificate and degree attainment for the early childhood education and out-of-school time educators.

*Applicants must be working in the Early Childhood field to qualify for courses.