CCTC Early Care and Education program receives $19,500 SC Endeavors Grant

STAFF REPORT

SC Endeavors, the professional development system for South Carolina's early childhood workforce, recently awarded $19,500 to Central Carolina Technical College's Early Care and Education program, according to a news release.

SC Endeavors' mission is to support the continuous growth and improvement of early education programs and professionals to create positive outcomes for young children and their families in South Carolina. SC Endeavors and Central Carolina have worked together for more than 20 years to advance the mission.

Central Carolina's Early Childhood Development program has achieved national recognition for its quality through National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation since 2007.

The college received $6,500 from the McDonald Early Education Support Fund, and $3,000 was given as a NAEYC Accreditation Support Grant. These funds will support the program's continued quality coursework, instruction and NAEYC accreditation costs.

This year, the Biden administration and Congress authorized additional funding to support the early care and education field, focusing support on the workforce, including education and compensation. "I am pleased to announce that each South Carolina technical college will receive an additional $10,000 to focus on meeting the early childhood program needs," said Melissa Starker, state director for SC Endeavors, in the release. "I am happy to award Central Carolina Technical College $19,500 in these special funds. Additionally, SC Endeavors will continue to provide TEACH Scholarships and Credential Awards for your students."

The Early Care and Education Associate Degree in Applied Science program is designed to prepare individuals for employment in a variety of educational and child care programs for children from birth through school age.

For more information about the Early Care and Education program, call (803) 778-1961 or visit cctech.edu.