Child care providers can contract for a minimum of one class to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential, a minimum of two classes to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential, or can work toward a Certificate, Diploma, Associate or Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education. One course for undergraduate or graduate credit is also offered to master teachers to train them to mentor beginning teachers. Most participants attend classes part time. Children are the main beneficiaries. They are able to bond with a provider who has made a commitment to the field, who is a specialist in early childhood education, who understands child development and who is sensitive to the needs of the very young.
Providers benefit by increasing their knowledge and compensation.
More than 19,000 child care providers in North Carolina have participated in the program. Over 1,900 of those scholarships supported child care professionals taking courses leading to an associate degree in early childhood education. My center and T.E.A.C.H. worked together to provide paid release time, a quality substitute while I was in class, and a bonus to me each year after completion of 12 or more credit hours. I was able to bring back to my children, parents and other staff what I learned in the classroom. My understanding of developmental practices has changed tremendously and my confidence has bloomed.