Empowering Educators and Building Stronger Classrooms with ECE Certification
Deb Hunter, Child Care Director at the Children’s Learning Center at Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene, is an educator in the ECE certificate program offered by River Valley Community College. This program offers professionals an introduction to early childhood development and certifies them as associate teachers, empowering them to teach independently. It’s more than just a credential—it’s a steppingstone to an associate degree and a gateway to professional growth.
“The ECE gives everyone a solid foundation in childcare,” Hunter explains. “But the real value is in having qualified staff. We had great people before, but now they’re excellent and eager to learn more. This benefits the children, who have teachers who truly understand them and provide intentional, nurturing care.”
One shining example of the program’s impact is Ashley Tracy, a staff member who became a credentialed associate teacher through the ECE program. “The class was interactive—group work, games, and hands-on projects like game and toy-building. It made it easy to share ideas,” Tracy says.
Not only did she gain valuable skills, but she was also motivated by learning about her peers’ career paths. “What I thought would be stressful ended up being fun and fast. Now I have my own classroom, a stronger connection with the kids, and trust from my co-workers.”