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 Program which provides funding for students to engage in coursework that leads to college degrees, college certificates, and state and national credentials.

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is investing in the knowledge, skills and professional preparation of early childhood practitioners in the state.

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!

Associate Degrees:
Early Childhood Education & Administration
Early Childhood Education & Administration – Transfer Option

College Certificates:
Early Childhood Education
Lead Teacher Certificate
Director Certificate
Child Development Associate Credential –
[A nationally recognized credential]

EEC Credentials:
Infant-Toddler Teacher
Infant-Toddler Lead Teacher
Preschool Teacher
Preschool Lead Teacher
Director

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.

Apply Here!

Free College Course Offerings

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.)

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

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.

Am I eligible for this grant?
- If you are working in the field of Early Childhood Education or intend to seek employment in this field, you are eligible.
What is the process for me to take courses?
- The first step is to fill out the Career Pathways Grant application. A member of the grant staff will contact you to set up a brief meeting. During this meeting, a staff member will ask you about your goals. From there, a plan can be created to help you achieve your goals. After your plan has been completed, you will register for courses.
How much does it cost to take a course through this grant?
- There is no cost to you. The EEC Career Pathways Grant pays for your coursework.
I heard textbooks are expensive. Will I have to buy a textbook?
- You will need a textbook. The Career Pathways Grant Program maintains a lending library of textbooks for you to use.
I have only my phone to do my schoolwork. Will a phone work?
- Using your phone will be difficult. The Massasoit Community College library has Chromebooks that students can borrow for the semester.
I don’t know what course(s) to take? How do I decide?
- Our Success Coach works as an advisor to you. We will help guide you to the certification/degree you desire.
How many courses may I take each semester?
- We encourage new students to start with one course. Typically, students find two courses each semester to be the most they can complete successfully. Many students take one course each semester. Slow and steady is a great strategy!
I have never taken a college course before (or it’s been such a long time since I’ve been in school) I’m really nervous! Is there any support for me?
- Yes, yes, yes!! The grant has a Success Coach to advise and support you. In addition, we have a program tutor. Also, the college has an Academic Resource Center that offers tutoring and a Writing Center to provide assistance.
I live far from campus and don’t think I can attend in-person classes. Is that a problem?
- It’s not a problem. Many of our classes are now remote, meaning you can either have class on zoom or completely online with no class meetings.
I filled out the grant form. Am I all set to take the class?
- Not yet. This is a multi-step process. First, you apply to the grant. After you have been accepted into the grant, you register for classes.
Once I finish my class, how do I get my EEC certificate?
- You can get a copy of your transcripts from the college through the MyMassasoit Portal. Keep a copy of your transcripts and submit a copy to your work. Massasoit Community College does not send you a certificate. Your director should keep all of your documentation for the EEC program licensor. Make sure you give them copies. Keep your originals!