Free classes will train childcare teachers

CCCC is stepping up to help fill North Carolina’s pressing need for early childhood educators.

The college will be offering Intro to Early Education as a free, eight-week evening course starting in mid-March. The classes will be held at CCCC's Siler City Center in Chatham County and Lee Main Campus in Sanford, as well as at the Harnett County Partnership for Children in Harnett County. 

The college is one of 16 across the state partnering with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to establish these “Childcare Academies” focused on free, intensive, short-term training. NCDHHS’s Division of Child Development is using funding from a federal preschool development grant to support the initiative.

These “Childcare Academies” will equip successful graduates to get their North Carolina Early Childhood Credential, making them eligible to serve as lead teachers in licensed childcare facilities in North Carolina. Ginger Harris, Chair of CCCC’s Education Department, said she expects students in the course will also be able to earn additional certifications in topics such as first aid, CPR, and playground safety.

“This is a really good opportunity for our community,” Harris said. “There’s a huge shortage of educators right now in childcare centers, so I am hoping that this will meet that community need.

In the class, Harris said, students will learn how to keep children healthy and safe, how to arrange a childcare room, and how to create plans for lessons or activities.

Students with children may also take advantage of the free evening childcare that is available on the Lee Main Campus.

Class dates and times are as follows:

Lee Main Campus and Siler City Center

Start Date: Thursday, March 12. Classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  

Harnett County Partnership for Children

Start Date: Tuesday, March 17. Classes on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Those who are interested in enrolling should call (919) 718-7500 to register.