Southeastern Community College is stepping up to confront North Carolina’s growing childcare crisis with the launch of its new Classroom Ready Academy, a free two‑week training program running Feb. 5–19. The academy is designed to quickly prepare a pool of certified childcare workers to support centers across Columbus County.
SCC Early Childhood Education instructor Amanda Heath will lead the initiative and said she’s ready to “hit the ground running” as the state works to strengthen childcare staffing.
“This childcare academy is going to be the classroom‑ready model, where we help folks get ready to meet the qualifications that are needed to work in childcare,” Heath said. “Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in a hybrid format with required online trainings as well.”
What Students Will Earn
Participants will complete a full slate of state‑required certifications, including CPR, first aid, fire extinguisher safety, infant/toddler safe sleep and SIDS training, playground safety, and child maltreatment suspicions. The academy also covers the state criminal background check and includes eight mandatory health and safety training videos plus medication‑administration instruction, each followed by a short test.
Heath described the academy as an “orientation piece that gets all the legwork out of the way,” giving students everything they need to be certified by the North Carolina Division of Child Development to work with children from birth through age 8.
“I’m excited about this, and it’s our first go‑around with this academy,” Heath said. “The need is there, and I’m excited to support students personally and professionally.”
A Flexible Pathway Into the Workforce
Heath emphasized that the short‑term format makes the academy especially accessible. She will provide one‑on‑one support to help students navigate requirements that are often confusing or costly when completed independently.
“With technology being a barrier for some people and all certifications done online, I want students to know they are getting in‑person help, and I’m here to support them,” she said.
Completing the academy also gives students a head start on SCC’s Early Childhood Education associate degree. Thanks to SCC’s one‑college model, these stackable credentials make it easier for working adults with families to continue their education.
“Once they complete this academy, they’ll be ready to take my EDU 119 course, Introduction to Early Childhood Education, in B‑term beginning March 6,” Heath said. “That course makes students eligible for their North Carolina Early Childhood Credential, which qualifies them for teacher‑level positions.”
Why the Academy Matters
Childcare centers across the region are facing long waiting lists due to staffing shortages. Heath said the academy will help build a pipeline of qualified workers, allowing centers to open more slots for children and helping parents return to the workforce.
“We need staff at these childcare centers, and we have to make sure we’re following all the rules and regulations for the state because quality matters too,” she said. “Child‑to‑staff ratios must be met before children can even be brought in.”
Local Providers Call It a Gamechanger
Wyche Watts, owner of Kid Kare Academy in Whiteville and a 25‑year veteran of the childcare industry, said the program will make an immediate impact.
“We’re having a really hard time finding good, qualified candidates,” Watts said. “Childcare is the backbone of businesses. Employees can’t go to work if they have no one to watch their children.”
Watts said SCC’s academy removes a major burden for employers who often pay out‑of‑pocket for new hires’ training and background checks.
“This is a huge first step in getting people who want to make a career out of this,” she said. “I’m so glad Southeastern is offering this program to streamline the process.”
Clarice Faison, owner of Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy in Cerro Gordo, called the program a “win‑win” for both employers and future childcare workers.
“One of the bigger issues we’re facing is finding people who want to work, let alone having that passion for children,” Faison said. “With this new class at Southeastern, we couldn’t ask for anything better. With the boots‑on‑the‑ground approach, this is a win‑win for us all.”
How to Register
Residents interested in working in childcare can register for the Classroom Ready Academy through this SCC Link. For questions, contact Amanda Heath at 910‑788‑6409 or amanda.heath@sccnc.edu.
(Compiled from Press Release)
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