QCC Provides Assistance to Early Childhood Education Workers through Career Pathways Grant

Quinsigamond Community College has been helping to advance career opportunities for over 30 early childhood education workers, thanks to funding from a $296,904 Career Pathways Grant from the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).  Aimed at creating opportunities for career growth, QCC is working to advance students in careers in early childhood education and child care. The goal of the grant is to promote and expand professional development opportunities and higher education certificate and degree attainment for the early childhood education and out-of-school time workforce.

“A lot of licensed early education providers are seeking to move up and this offers them an opportunity to do so,” said QCC’s Director of Early Childhood Career Pathway Kyla McSweeney.

Thus far the Career Pathways funds have provided opportunities for two college level courses to over 20 students who would otherwise have been unable to afford most entry level certification courses. By offering these opportunities to existing childcare workers, it gives them the ability to access higher paying positions.

Additionally, 10 students are taking part in a pre-college course focusing on student-based skills and introducing them to early childhood education topics and terminology. After they complete the course in the fall these students will transition over to college level early childhood education courses, where they will receive financial and other support services designed to help them succeed.

To learn more about these programs, contact QCC Admissions at 508.854.4262 or email admissions [at] qcc.mass.edu