NECC Early Childhood Education

10/01/2026

If you are an early childhood educator looking to take a MA Dept of Early Education and Care approved course to earn your teacher certification, NECC is the place to be! We have a section that will start in January and we are accepting applications now. This course is fully online and taught in English. Don't delay as our courses do fill fast! This course is offered free of charge with funding from the Career Pathways in ECE Grant!

09/16/2026

Adjunct Professor Barbara Moverman has retired after teaching for the early childhood education department at NECC for 35 years!
Can you imagine how many educators she has impacted and all of the children who had one of her students as their teacher?
We are so incredibly grateful for all she has taught us. Her joy, creativity and knowledge of how children learn are insurmountable. We are so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate you tonight. It just does not seem enough for the incredible gifts you have given us and our ECE students for decades! Please join us in wishing Barbara a fabulous retirement!

09/02/2026

We are ready for our early childhood educators to bloom this semester! Classes start tomorrow! We can’t wait to welcome you, whether online or in person. Here are three reminders that will help set you up for a successful semester:
1. Read your course syllabus carefully.
2. Enter all assignments, quizzes, exams, and project deadlines into a planner or digital calendar.
3. Check your NECC email and Brightspace announcements daily.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us on the ECE team for support throughout the term.

08/19/2026

Tonight’s the night! A great opportunity to earn a college certificate in early childhood education with coursework taught in Spanish!

08/19/2026

We can’t wait to welcome our early childhood students into our classrooms for the fall semester! Whether your classroom is in Haverhill, Lawrence, or online, we are so glad you have chosen NECC! Classes start BEFORE Labor Day on Wednesday, September 2nd!

07/26/2026

Today, I share the sad news of the passing of Gail Feigenbaum, former coordinator of the Early Childhood Program at Northern Essex Community College. Gail passed away yesterday at the age of 67.
Gail was a Professor Emerita at NECC whose dedication to teaching and learning spanned more than three decades. She joined the faculty in 1986 and served as coordinator of the Early Childhood Program from 2001 until her retirement in 2020. Throughout her remarkable career, she shaped the lives of countless students, educators, and children across our region.
Gail’s influence on the field of early childhood education was profound. As President Lane stated when Gail was awarded emerita status, “If you visit an Early Childhood Center in the Merrimack Valley, it is a given that you will meet passionate, caring teachers who are Gail’s former students.” Her commitment to excellence, compassion, and advocacy created a ripple effect that continues to strengthen classrooms and communities today.
Gail was not only an exceptional educator, but also a beloved mentor and friend. Even after her retirement, she continued to inspire those around her. She generously welcomed former colleagues, including myself (Doris), Deirdre, and others, to her beach house, where we gathered to reconnect, reflect, and continue learning from her wisdom. In those moments, Gail’s passion for early childhood education remained as vibrant as ever. She encouraged us, challenged us, and helped us become better teachers, mentors, and advocates for the future educators in our region.
While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate a life devoted to nurturing others. Gail’s legacy lives on in the hundreds of educators she inspired, the children whose lives were enriched through her influence, and the colleagues and friends who were fortunate enough to know her. Her impact will continue to be felt for generations, and her memory will remain a guiding light for all who carry forward her vision of caring, high-quality early childhood education.
Gail will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever appreciated.

07/21/2026

Please make sure you are ready for the fall semester! Have you completed your FAFSA or MAFSA and applied for the EEC scholarship?
Don't delay! Grant funding is extremely limited and these steps are REQUIRED!
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-the-early-childhood-educators-ece-scholarship
Reach out to Doris with any questions: [email protected]

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and the Department of Higher Education (DHE) jointly offer this scholarship to help early educators increase their qualifications through a college degree.

06/21/2026

Preschool Curriculum hands on science night with Professor Deirdre Budzyna!
Our students are learning and growing during our summer classes!

06/19/2026

Today, June 19th, the college will be closed in observance of Juneteenth💫

We honor liberation, uplift Black voices, and continue the fight for equality and justice. We pause to reflect on progress and acknowledge the ongoing journey towards true equality. Our community’s strength lies in its diversity, and through inclusive education, we empower each other to grow and succeed together. Join us in honoring this significant day by embracing empathy, sharing stories, and advancing equity for all.

06/10/2026

Thanks to all who came to our open house last night! Not many pictures were taken but it was a great night of connection and celebration! We also welcomed Veronica Antich and Claudia Cutler who are now supporting our Spanish ECE pathway! ECE @ NECC is the place to be!