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Education of Early Childhood Professionals Makes a Difference!

Smart Start promotes professionalism and education of the early childhood workforce.  Staff can meet individually with educators to advise and inform about appropriate higher education options.  We are also available to do a presentation at your staff meeting to provide information about professional development resources.  Presentations can be tailored to meet your needs and can include topics such as Associate Degree options, Bachelor & Master Degree options, Scholarship opportunities, Financial Aid, Early Educator Certification (EEC), and local Smart Start incentives.  Call us at 910-815-3731 with any questions about professional development resources or to schedule an individual meeting or group presentation.

“Children in great programs with great teachers do better in school and in life.”
(NC Institute for Child Development Professionals)

“Research indicates that the quality of child care is related to teachers’ education and that teachers with bachelor’s degrees create more optimal learning environments for children compared to teachers with less education.”
(Early Childhood Leadership & Policy Network, 2008)

Early Childhood Higher Education Degree Directory provided by NAEYC

This directory identifies every early childhood degree program in regionally-accredited institutions across the United States and its territories. This directory will serve as a resource for current and prospective students searching for an early childhood degree program.

Early Childhood Associate Degree at North Carolina Community Colleges

Cape Fear Community College
Brunswick Community College

Early Childhood Bachelor Degree at a Four-Year College or University

University of North Carolina Wilmington
University of Mount Olive
University of North Carolina Pembroke
University of North Carolina Greensboro
East Carolina University

Need Financial Assistance with Your College Education? Check out these resources.

TeachNC Scholarship
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)