Career Pathways is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care to support increased program quality and enhance educator career advancement.

Our Pathways

• Certificate in Early Childhood Education (CECE) - Students earn 18 college credits  Meets requirements for Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, Lead Teacher Certification (with 18  months experience)
• EEC Certification Classes - Free classes towards Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, Teacher, Lead Teacher, and Director certifications.
• All classes are offered at convenient times in a remote or hybrid format.

APPLY NOW for Summer/Fall 2024!

Classes

• EDU 103 Creativity, Thinking, and Learning In-person with weekly meetings, Tuesdays 6 - 7:30pm in the Creative Thinking & Learning Studio. Prerequisite: None
• EDU 111 Inclusion and Accommodation Online, with weekly Zoom meetings •  Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Prerequisite: ENG 090 and ENG 094, or satisfactory placement.
• EDU 123 Infant and Toddler Care and Learning  Online, with weekly Zoom meetings, Thursdays, 6-7:30pm. Prerequisite: ENG 101; EDU 101 with grade of C- or higher or permission of program coordinator.
• EDU 144 Child Growth & Development  In-person with weekly meetings, Tuesdays 6 - 7:30pm in the Creative Thinking & Learning Studio. Prerequisite: ENG 090 and ENG 094, or satisfactory placement.
•  EDU 148 Understanding Children's Behavior and Guidance  Online, with weekly Zoom meetings, Mondays, 6-7:30pm. Prerequisite: None
• EDU 215 Student Teaching: Co-constructed Curriculum, Documentation, and Culturally Responsive Teaching In-person with weekly meetings, Thursdays 6-7:30pm in the Creative Thinking & Learning Studio. Prerequisite: Permission of program coordinator and EDU 101 and EDU 144 or permission of the program coordinator.
• Other general education courses to meet associate degree requirements

A note about prerequisites: GCC uses multiple measures to determine satisfactory preparation for college course demands. High School GPA, recent college coursework and transcripts will be reviewed for students new to GCC. If necessary, placement testing will be required.

FAQs

What’s next?
Continue your education in the Early Childhood Education associate degree program at GCC. All CECE and CDA+ classes are applied toward your associate degree. Transfer to a bachelor's degree program with seamless transfer options.

Who is eligible?
Classes are free for anyone currently working at least 20 hours per week in a Massachusetts licensed, or license-exempt program in the field of Early Childhood Education or Out-of-School-Time care or those actively seeking  to begin working within the first 3 months of enrollment. High school students enrolled in an early education program or high school graduates planning to pursue a career in Early Education and Care are also encouraged to apply.

Students must have (or immediately obtain) a current Professional Qualifications Registration number (PQR) and demonstrate college readiness through high school, HiSET/GED or college transcripts, or by taking the college placement test (Accuplacer).

Is it really free?  
Yes! All courses in the CECE and CDA + option are free. This includes tuition and fees, cost of books, and access to career advancement support and enhanced advising. This is funded through the Massachusetts Early Educator Career Pathways program.

Can I get degree for free?  Yes! If you are pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in community based early education and care you may qualify to receive funding for up to 3 courses per semester. This is funded through the Massachusetts Early Childhood Educators Scholarship program.

How do I get started: Sign up for one of our upcoming virtual information sessions, review the Career Pathways Application  or contact Felicia Gooler, Program Coordinator at . We are ready to answer your questions and help you get on the right pathway!