Brittney

Each summer, Brittney Jones teaches 4-year-olds at a local summer camp. Although she has a degree in elementary education, Jones wanted to learn more about tailoring lessons and activities to younger age groups, like her campers. So, she enrolled in classes at Howard Community College (HCC).

During the school year, Jones typically teaches at a private school, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, she needed to be home because her six-year-old daughter is attending school virtually. “Now, I am working two part-time jobs,” says Jones. “With HCC’s online courses, I can study on my own timeline.

“I was very impressed with instructors and materials,” Jones says. “My instructor set me an enthusiastic welcome email that explained all the assignments.” When Jones has a question, she can email her instructor, or posted the question in Canvas—HCC’s online learning system. “My instructor responds quickly,” she says. “Everything about the class is very well organized.”

Jones has also learned from her fellow classmates. “Some students in my class are older and have more experience,” she says. “Others are from other countries. Each shares their perspective on different topics and situations.”

Two scholarships are available for students taking select early childhood education courses. The Workforce Development Sequence Scholarships (WDSS) provides financial assistance for the Early Childhood & Child Care Preschool 90 Hours: Child Growth & Development and Preschool Curriculum. The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund provides scholarships to those who have been impacted by the coronavirus. Jones applied for and was awarded a GEER scholarship that covered the cost of her tuition.

“The registration process was easy,” says Jones. “And the flexible design of the classes made it feasible for me to attend.” At their home, Jones and her daughter have their desks in the same room. Her daughter loves doing her homework while Jones does hers. Jones looks forward to applying what she has learned when she teaches her next summer camp class. “I recommend HCC’s classes to anyone!”

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