Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Covid-19 is complicating completion of my Early Childhood Education degree

    Posted 01-06-2021 01:01 AM
    Hello all. I pray this post finds you well. I'm in need of advice or possible options to solve my degree dilemma. I'm currently a student at a community college in NC studying early childhood education with the option of transferring to a university. In North Carolina childcare facilities are not accepting internships or volunteers due to covid 19 restrictions. However, working hours are required for a course in order to complete my associates degree. The internship course is only offered in the Spring and of possible I would like to find a solution to my dilemma so I can take the class this semester. If I do not take the course this semester my graduation will be delayed by a semester until May 2022. I'm not in position to get a job in the field right now because I'm a full time student with children and I have elderly parents that I take care of. I have searched for employment options that do not require many hours but have not been successful. The commitment of employment is beyond my grasp at this time. The university program that I want to enroll in requires a Early Childhood Education Associate's Degree from a North Carolina community college for enrollment. Attending a different university that doesn't require a completed Associate's Degree wasn't a part of my plan. Are there any options or ideas on how I can complete volunteer hours during this pandemic?


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    Carla D.
    Wake County, NC
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  • 2.  RE: Covid-19 is complicating completion of my Early Childhood Education degree

    Posted 01-07-2021 01:23 AM
    Hi Carla!

    Congrats on your next step towards teaching!

    I totally understand the struggle...I just finished my student teaching semester and graduated in PA this winter. Finding placements right now can be really tough, but definitely possible.

    My first question to you would be whether you need certain placements or is it more generalized like working with children? My follow up suggestion, fyi I am unfamiliar with how your state is regulating closures so do the research in your area, would be to explore virtual volunteer opportunities (maybe teaching classea or read alouds) through a local museum or library. I bet if you explained your situation they might be willing to work with you.


    Also, try reaching out to cyber schools specifically, because many of them have been operating virtually for a while as their school model and could be taking outside personnel.

    Additionally, check if babysitting or school pods would help you get hours. If so, There are A TON of people in my area, and probably yours, on caregiver sites looking for someone with an educational background to help with virtual school or childcare.

    Hopefully that helped! I can definitely relate to this struggle but there are options out there for you if you dig super deep. Good Luck!

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    Kathy Hoehl
    Pittsburgh PA
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  • 3.  RE: Covid-19 is complicating completion of my Early Childhood Education degree

    Posted 01-07-2021 10:56 AM
    Hi Kathy. 

    Congrats on graduating! 

    You have some great ideas. The course internship is specific to childcare centers or schools K-2. I didn't think about cyber schools however, I will look into that option. You have been very helpful. Sincerely, thank you!

    Carla Damphie

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    Carla Damphie
    Wake County, NC
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  • 4.  RE: Covid-19 is complicating completion of my Early Childhood Education degree

    Posted 01-07-2021 03:24 PM
    So glad that you reached out, Carla, and it looks like some good suggestions are arriving from our wonderful ECE community!

    I'm not sure whether your program is one of NAEYC's accredited degree programs, but we at NAEYC would love to help if we can help in any way. Feel free to email us at highered@naeyc.org--if you could let us know the name of the institution, we'll be glad to see if we can help to make any connections.

    Wishing everyone much good health and strength in these challenging days!


    Pamela M. Ehrenberg  |  Director of Accreditation Services
    Higher Education Accreditation & Program Support
    National Association for the Education of Young Children

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    Pamela Ehrenberg
    Director of Accreditation Services, NAEYC Higher Education
    (and proud NAEYC member!)
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  • 5.  RE: Covid-19 is complicating completion of my Early Childhood Education degree

    Posted 01-07-2021 05:20 PM
    Hello Ms. Ehrenberg. I agree that the community has been very helpful and encouraging. I accept the offer to send a email and will do so shortly. Thank you very much.

    Sincerely,
    Carla Damphie


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    Carla Damphie
    Wake County, NC
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