Partnering in Best Practices: Early Childhood Education Partner MassBay’s Early Childhood Education program collaborates with numerous organizations including childcare centers, nursery schools, pre-K-to-grade-two public school classrooms and after-school programs, independent family childcare centers, and more, many of which provide practicum locations. The College and its partners regularly share best practices, propel new students into MassBay’s Early Childhood Education programs, and provide continuing education for those who are already working in the field.
Linda Romero, Chair of the Education Department and Project Director of the Early Education and Care Career Pathways Grant, cites the extraordinary strength of MassBay’s relationships with program directors and high schools throughout MetroWest. South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) Head Start is one of the College’s longstanding partners and has had a consistent presence on the program’s Advisory Board. Romero serves on SMOC’s School Readiness Council. Additionally, SMOC Head Start has hosted MassBay practicum students over the years, and many of its employees have completed certification courses and/or degree programs at MassBay.
“Our staff and families come from shared experiences in culture, community, life circumstances, and economic backgrounds. Our partnership with MassBay helps our teachers, often parents of the children we serve, find the courage to take another class…to see education as a means toward supporting themselves and serving their own communities.” - Cheryl Smith, Area Director, SMOC Child Care and Head Start
“Being able to offer students and partners a learning environment that is accessible, state-of-the-art, and really feels professional to them lifts the whole field of Early Childhood Education in MetroWest.” - Linda Romero, Chair of the Education Department and Project Director of the Early Education and Care Career Pathways Grant
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