Early Childhood Education Foundational Certificate
Find Your Dream Career with an Early Childhood Foundational Certificate from NECC
Why pursue the Early Childhood Foundational certificate?
Do you love children? Would you like a career where you can use your passion and energy to inspire young children? If so, NECC’s unique, nine-course Early Childhood Foundational Certificate Program is tailor-made for you. Our program prepares you for a rewarding career in the field of early childhood education and care, as you learn how to support children in various environments as they grow and develop.
NECC Certificates: Convenient Learning Options for Early Childhood Professionals
Early childhood professionals play a pivotal role in the education system, supporting young children and families in our communities. Students will be introduced to a variety of topics including child growth and development, developmentally appropriate curriculum, designing environments, and working with young children with special needs. The certificate culminates in an experiential learning course where students will apply theory to practice.
You’ll also have the option of transferring credits to an associate degree program in ECE or a related field, streamlining your education.
What you’ll get from our Early Childhood Foundational certificate program
Learn Early Childhood Care and Education Essentials
Immerse yourself in the early childhood education and care world, as you develop the skills necessary to interact with and inspire young children in a professional role. Discover what it takes to cultivate reciprocal relationships with families and community agencies on behalf of young children, and how to plan safe and healthy environments for children in accordance with state and national standards.
At NECC, our Early Childhood Foundational Certificate will equip you with the skills and expertise necessary to seek immediate employment. This program meets MA Dept. Early Education and Care (EEC) requirements for Lead Teacher and contains courses required as part of the ECE MA transfer pathways.
Gear Up for a Great Career in the Early Childhood Education Field
At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in demand. Whether you see yourself as the next great childcare center director, preschool director, preschool teacher, or other ECE professional, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:
Develop skills that are essential when working and interacting with young children (newborns to age eight)- Apply for early childhood certification through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
- Gain experience working with young children by participating in a practicum
- Seek employment as a director at an area childcare facility
Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework
Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with ECE professionals in the community.
Your Schedule, Your Rules
Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around. Once you’ve completed our Early Childhood Foundational Certificate program, you’ll be able to apply for a job or transfer your credits towards an associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Where this Journey Can Take You
Professionals with ECE backgrounds are always in high demand. Upon graduation from NECC with an Early Childhood Foundational Certificate, you can begin working in the field and decide whether you like it before investing additional time and money obtaining a degree.
Like a blank curriculum template, you can use your certificate as a foundation to build upon, empowering you to choose a wide variety of academic and career paths.
Imagine yourself serving in one of these professional roles:
- Preparing young children for kindergarten as a Preschool Teacher
- Keeping young children safe and comfortable as a Childcare Worker
- Empowering parents and their children as a Nanny
Why choose NECC for your Early Childhood Foundational certificate?
We Get It
At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Early Childhood Foundational Certificate courses are designed with you in mind.
NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.
With over 60 credit programs, two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.
Learn from the Pros
Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe early childhood education and care principles.
Experience Beyond the Classroom
At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.
Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.
We Got Your Back
From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.
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What Can I Do With This Major?
Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?
With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.
Support for Every Student
NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.
Career Outlook for Early Childhood Education North of Boston
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects over 5,000 new job openings in preschools and childcare centers each year, on average, over the next eight years. Job openings for preschool teachers are projected to increase by 4% during that period, with a total of 23,300 new jobs created.
At NECC, our Early Childhood Foundational Certificate Program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working as childcare center directors, preschool directors, kindergarten teachers, and more. Some have gone on to start their own successful businesses!
How Much Can I Expect to Make in Early Childhood Education?
The earning potential for early childhood educators varies based on several factors, including education, licenses, certifications, experience, setting, and additional skills.
With an Early Childhood Foundational Certificate from NECC, you’ll be qualified to start or advance your career in these roles:
Preschool Teacher
Helps young children develop social, language, and problem-solving skills to prepare them for kindergarten. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $45,090 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $40,770 and $51,010.¹
Childcare Worker
Helps maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment for children, providing care, support, and classroom supervision. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $36,396 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $32,801 and $40,468.¹
Nanny
Provides children with the care and support they need so that parents can focus on other responsibilities. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $35,113 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $31,787 and $38,945.¹
How to Get Started Earning an Early Childhood Foundational Certificate in the Merrimack Valley Region
Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Early Childhood Foundational Certificate Program and chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!
FAQs
Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.
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success story
Wendy Ramirez
Wendy Ramirez, a Northern Essex Community College Early Childhood Education major, graduated with a near perfect GPA. Ramirez hopes to transfer to a four-year teaching program and dreams of teaching kindergarten in a local public school. Read Wendy’s story.
Helpful Links
- Program Pathway
- Academic Advising
- Academic Catalog
- Career Services
- Transfer Information
- Significant Program Data
Got Questions?
We're here to help. Contact us if you have questions.
Deirdre Budzyna
B.A., M.Ed., Program Coordinator
Early Childhood Program
978-556-3456
