SCC offering short-term Classroom Ready Academy starting in February

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Southeastern Community College is hosting a Classroom Ready Academy to help battle the childcare crisis in North Carolina.

The free academy runs February 5 through February 19 and creates a pool of certified childcare workers ready to serve in Columbus County.

“This childcare academy is going to be the classroom ready model, where we help folks get ready to meet the qualifications that are needed to work in childcare,” Amanda Heath, SCC Early Childhood Education instructor said. “This will be about two weeks long with classes meeting on Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a hybrid format with some required online trainings as well.”

Upon completion, students will have CPR, first aid, fire extinguisher safety training, infant/toddler safe sleep and sudden infant death syndrome, playground safety, and child maltreatment suspicious certifications as well as get their criminal background check through the state.

Students will watch eight health and safety videos required to work in childcare facilities and one specific to medication administration training and then there will be a test after each video.

With the baseline certifications checked off, Heath said Classroom Ready Academy completers have a jumpstart on their associates degree in early childhood education.

“Once they complete this academy, they’ll be ready to take my EDU 119 course, Introduction to Early Childhood Education, in B term which starts March 6th,” Heath said. “With that course, upon completion, it makes students eligible for their North Carolina Early Childhood credential through the state. That credential serves as having the title or position of a teacher.” 

Anyone interested can apply online.