Lincoln Land Community College or LLCC has been awarded an Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity grant of nearly $650,000 to help those who work or who have worked in early childhood education or childcare in earning credentials, certificates, and degrees. Students may also qualify for a scholarship that covers the cost of attendance if they are pursuing an additional degree or certificate.

Danyle Watkins, an LLCC professor of early childhood education says that with the teacher shortage, it’s important to continue to teach teachers to bring them into early childhood care. She says without early childhood educators, many parents would not be able to go to work or provide needed services. 

LLCC is adding classes and now has an early childhood education advocate.  Her name is Marlena Constant and she helps future students with applications for college, scholarships, and financial aid. Constant provides support and connects students with any needed services.  

Constant says she’s a barrier remover and encourages students to come to her so she can assist with any needs. LLCC also plans on implementing prior learning assessments and developing incentives for completion and spaces specifically for early childhood education students to study and get assistance.

For more information on LLCC’s early childhood education program, visit www.llcc.edu/ece.