Educational Enhancement

To address the need for higher education of Caldwell County child care providers, this activity will focus on providing more flexible formats, venues and timeframes in the 2006-2007 academic year. A full-time instructor will allow students the opportunity to attend classes outside the traditional course offering. A minimum of 18 classes each fall and spring semester, with 8 courses to be taught at off-campus sites or in alternative formats will accomplish this goal. A Professional Development Coordinator will build a relationship with licensed childcare providers in Caldwell County utilizing a provider database that he/she will develop. Particular emphasis will be placed on the recruitment of providers at one-to-three star facilities. The Professional Development Coordinator will assist with professional development plans, supporting students in their academic and professional goals and input information in a database to track provider’s achievements. A resource and lending library will further assist students with the cost of required and supplemental texts. Scholarships to attend the North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children and National Smart Start conferences will further enhance professional and educational development. Each of these endeavors is designed to support early childhood providers who are pursuing post-secondary coursework and completion of milestones. Without these supports, many childcare providers could not take advantage of a college education.

Contact: Stephanie Shockley
Director, Early Childhood Education
Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
Phone: 828-726-2205
Email: sshockley@cccti.edu