College Resources

Education of Early Childhood Professionals Makes a Difference!

Smart Start Professional Development Connections (SSPDC) seeks to promote professionalism and education of the early childhood workforce. SSPDC staff can to 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 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

The 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.