Danville Community College (DCC) and Averett University (AU) are collaborating to provide an inspiring path for instructional paraprofessionals to fulfill their aspirations in the field of Education. This collaborative endeavor allows students to complete the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education at DCC and then seamlessly transition to Averett University to earn their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree and teaching license. The program is designed to prepare educators for the diverse needs of children in Virginia's public school system and is open to paraprofessionals employed in any Virginia public school.
"We are so excited to provide this opportunity to paraprofessionals around the state,” said Traci Daniel, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at DCC. “Students are able to apply the program content to their classroom work with children in a real-world setting and that experience is invaluable to them as paraprofessionals. Participants are already familiar with the public school system and classroom settings, so it just makes sense that they would be in the top selection to fill critically needed teaching positions in our schools.”
Paraprofessionals enrolled in this program have the opportunity to select from three licensure tracks at Averett University: PreK-Grade 3, PreK-Grade 6, and Special Education (SPED) K-12.
“We are thrilled that our newest initial licensure program approved by the Virginia Department of Education, Early/primary Education preK-3, has allowed us to focus on early childhood education, meet the needs of our community, and ensure a continuation of study for DCC students,” said Dr. Nancy Riddell, Director of Teacher Education and Chair of the Education Program at Averett University.
This initiative has already gained momentum, with students currently employed in school systems across Virginia, including Danville, Pittsylvania, Halifax, Spotsylvania, and Martinsville, and interest continues to grow throughout the state.
One of the standout features of this program is its flexibility. The AAS program at Danville Community College is fully online through Canvas, enabling students to complete practicum hours, activities, lesson plans, and observations in their classrooms at their respective schools, without the need to take time off from work. Averett University's classes are also offered online, with three face-to-face sessions (or Zoom for distance students) held on Saturdays each semester.
“We’re very appreciative of our dedicated faculty here at DCC and our great partnership with Averett in providing this opportunity for future paraprofessionals and educators," said Dr. Cornelius Johnson, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Student Services. "This intentional pathway provides a number of opportunities for persons to start and advance their training and education to a baccalaureate degree in this important field.”
The tuition cost for this program is significantly reduced through a combination of funding sources, including Pell Grants, G3 support, and Early Childhood Education scholarships. The DSS Child Care Provider Scholarship and Project Pathfinders scholarship offer significant financial assistance to eligible students, covering tuition and books for up to two classes, depending on whether they intend to work with young children or are already engaged in the field.
Students in this program form a tight-knit cohort that progresses together, providing invaluable peer support and collaborative learning opportunities throughout their time at both DCC and AU.
Quotes from program participants illustrate the enthusiasm and commitment that this partnership has ignited:
• Christi Mayo, Cohort 1: "Never give up on yourself just because things are tough. If you keep pushing yourself, you will be surprised at what you can accomplish."
• Jacki Hearp, Cohort 1: "I am very thankful for the opportunity to participate in the paraprofessional to teacher cohort. This program is a blessing to me. If you are currently a paraprofessional who loves your job, I highly recommend this program to take the next step in your career."
• Brittany Cook, Cohort 2: "I am so happy to have started this journey; I am one step closer to my goal and my dream. My only complaint is that I wish I had started it sooner!"
Averett University and Danville Community College are proud to be on the forefront of creating educational opportunities that empower paraprofessionals to become certified educators, contributing to the growth and development of the Early Childhood Education sector in Virginia.
For more information on this partnership and scholarship opportunities, please visit the following links:
• DSS Child Care Provider Scholarship - covers tuition for up to two classes for those intending to work with young children (applicable to all ECE students).
• Project Pathfinders - covers tuition and books for up to 2 classes, specifically designed for paraprofessionals currently working with young children aged 0-5 (PreK only for paraprofessionals).
For more information or to explore the possibilities of this unique educational partnership, please contact Traci Daniel, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education, at 434-797-6434 or traci.daniel@danville.edu.
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