Early Childhood Career Pathways

Early Childhood Career Pathways Grant Program

Bristol Community College offers fully funded courses, supported by the Early Education and Care (EEC) Career Pathways grant, that help students meet the education requirements for Teacher or Director level EEC Professional Certifications.  

The Career Pathways Grant Program is offering the following 7-week courses for the Spring 2026 semester: 

• ECE 110 – Early Childhood Growth and Development  
• ECE 292 – Supervision and Personnel Management in Early Childhood* 

These courses are fully online, with no set class times, meaning you can complete course work on your schedule, within assignment due dates. Assignment due dates will be posted within your online course space by your instructor. Half-semester courses are accelerated and condensed, with the full semester’s worth of work still being required. Please be sure to allow enough time in your schedule for successful course completion. 

Please note, to be eligible for the grant for the ECE 292 course, you must be a current Lead Teacher with more than 6 months Lead Teacher experience. 

Take the Next Step

If you are interested in completing either of these grant-funded courses, please follow these steps: 

1. Complete the Spring 2026 Semester Intake Form: Spring 2026 EEC Career Pathways Grant Courses and Foundational Certificate Details 
2. Students interested in ECE 110 for Teacher Certification or ECE 292* for Director Certification will receive a registration form from the Career Pathways Grant Coordinator for full processing and enrollment. 

Certificate Program

Bristol also offers a new 16-credit college Early Childhood Education Foundational Certificate. This certificate includes the educational requirements needed for EEC Lead Teacher certification and consists of 5 courses, including a final practicum that combines coursework with field observation.  

Completing our ECE 110 – Early Childhood Growth and Development course helps start your pathway to completing the Foundational Certificate, as it is one of the required courses.  

Career Pathways grant funding may be available for students who are not eligible for other funding options, such as financial aid and/or the ECE Scholarship.  

Take the Next Step

If you are interested in enrolling in the certificate program, please follow these steps: 

1. Complete our Spring 2026 Semester Intake Form: Spring 2026 EEC Career Pathways Grant Courses and Foundational Certificate Details 
2. Apply to Bristol Community College and select “Early Childhood Education Foundational Certificate” program of study.
3. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial aid.  
4. Complete the ECE Scholarship Application for additional funding opportunities.
5. Accepted students looking to obtain Lead Teacher Certification need to complete the required college orientation and meet with their assigned advisor to register for their courses.

For additional information about applying to Bristol,  MassEducate, MassReconnect, funding options and completing FAFSA, visit our Free College page. 

Additional Funding Opportunities

There is limited grant funding available for the following:  

• Students interested in ECE 110 – Early Childhood Growth and Development, for Teacher Certification requirements, or 
• A current Lead Teacher (with 6 months + experience) looking to obtain Director Certification, or 
• Those not eligible for financial assistance through FAFSA and/or the ECE Scholarship

For additional information or questions, please contact Heidi.Campbell@BristolCC.edu or to reach out to one of our advisors assisting with the Foundational Certificate, please contact Sam.Silvia@BristolCC.edu.