鶹Ƶ is debuting a free, fast-track Early Childhood Academy from July 14th to 25th, offering both workforce credentials and academic credit for Introduction to Early Childhood (EDU 119). The program is designed for individuals preparing for careers in childcare centers, preschools, Head Start, and other early childhood education settings.

Thanks to generous funding from Dogwood Health Trust and Hurricane Helene relief funds, all tuition, fees, and required materials are completely free for participants.

Roberta Ballew interacts with two toddlers in the 鶹Ƶ Child Development Center
Roberta Ballew interacts with two toddlers in the 鶹Ƶ Child Development Center

“This Academy is an incredible opportunity for individuals who want to enter the early childhood field quickly without the burden of tuition and fees,” saidKatie Dowdle, Director of Early Childhood Education and Teacher Preparation at 鶹Ƶ. “Participants walk away with both college credit and the workforce credentials they need—saving time and money while preparing for meaningful careers.”

Normally, the academic portion of the class is a semester-long program, and it can take weeks to complete paperwork and classes for the various credentials needed to work in early childhood programs.

Theclass will run weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with extended hours on both Wednesdays until 5:30 p.m.. Attendance and full participation are mandatory to receive credentials. The program includes:

  • EDU 119: Introduction to Early Childhood Education (college credit)
  • CPR Certification
  • NC Division of Child Development and Early Education Background Check (D-Check)
  • Health Assessment and NCID setup
  • Acompleted credentialing portfolio notebookto present to potential employers

The academic component of the course will be taught byDowdle, with certified instructors leading CPR and other credential-based segments.

Participants must be18 years of age or olderand have ahigh school diploma or GED to take the class. Registration is available on 鶹Ƶ’s Continuing Education site at. (List “Early Childhood Academy” in the class name section to register.)

“This is workforce development at its best,” saidDr. J.W. Kelley, President of 鶹Ƶ. “We’re helping students gain essential credentials, college credit, and career readiness in just two weeks—all at no cost. It’s a perfect example of how 鶹Ƶ empowers students toLearn, Grow and Dreamwhile building a stronger community workforce.”

For those unable to attend this summer, 鶹Ƶ anticipates offering anotherEarly Childhood Academy later this fall.

For more information, contact Katie Dowdle atksdowdle13@go.mcdowelltech.edu or leave a message at 828-652-0654.