Northern Essex Community College (NECC)

NECC is a public, two-year college that offers comprehensive academic programs of study leading to the Associate in Arts degree, the Associate in Science degree and Certificates of program completion.  Excellent facilities, solid academic support services and a dynamic student activity program are part of the educational opportunities available at NECC. Flexible scheduling and the option of completing your degree or certificate at your own pace are hallmarks of a NECC education.

The Associate in Science degree program in Early Childhood Education (ECE) at NECC is designed to prepare students, both pre-service and those already working in the field, for professional careers in Early Childhood Education.

NECC’s ECE courses and requirements provides the foundation for further study at a four-year college. Knowledge concerning how children grow, develop, and learn is acquired through coursework and field experience, which emphasize the study of the young child as an individual, as part of a family system, and as a participant in group settings.

Highlights: 

• An integral part of this program is the practicum and field placements which allow the student to apply theory and skills, under guidance and supervision, in classrooms and educational programs reflecting the diversity of the local communities.
• At the completion of this program, students will be prepared to contribute to learning environments that will foster challenging and comprehensive learning for all young children.
• Students who graduate from the Associate’s Degree program at NECC are able to apply for EEC Lead Preschool Teacher Certification.
• NECC offers two additional online ECE courses for those looking to expand their EEC certification:
  • Learning Environments for Infants
  • Toddlers and Child Care Administration

Resources: 

• NECC offers financial aid to those who qualify.  More information can be found at: http://www.necc.mass.edu/getting-started/financial-aid/
• NECC is an active member of the Region 3 Partnership, the regional Educator and Provider Support Grant partnership.  More information can be found at www.northshore.edu/r3p.  Students may also use EEC Scholarship at NECC.

Student Support:

• NECC offers non-credit and credit-based ESL, along with a year round ESL tutoring center.  Tutoring support is also offered in most other academic areas. 
• Students may visit the Career Planning and Advising Center for advising year round. 
• ECE faculty are also available almost year round. 
• Additional student services may be found at: http://www.necc.mass.edu/student-services/