Starting in the Fall 2026 semester, Middlesex Community College will offer the introductory Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate program fully in Spanish. Middlesex will start this semester by running two courses in Spanish, developed by MCC faculty member Rosemary Hernandez.
“This has been a very meaningful project for me, both as an educator and as someone who has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for many years,” Hernandez said. “Providing courses in Spanish creates greater access to higher education for educators who may have extensive experience, knowledge and talent but who face language barriers when pursuing a college degree. I also believe that when we invest in the education of early childhood educators, we are ultimately investing in children, families and communities.”
Owner of a childcare center in Worcester, Rosanna Garcia Grullon came to MCC to expand her knowledge in the field. Being able to take these classes in her first language allows her to strengthen the skills she uses every day, as well as develop new strategies. She is proud to continue her education and apply her knowledge to her work.
“These courses have helped me better understand the different stages of child development, recognize each child’s individual needs, and plan developmentally appropriate learning activities,” Garcia Grullon said. “They have also helped me feel more confident and prepared as an educator. I am able to apply what I learn directly in my family childcare program and provide the children with a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment.”
MCC decided to offer these courses in Spanish after identifying a need in Lowell and the surrounding communities, according to Vanessa Porter, MCC’s ECE Career Pathways Grant Coordinator. As many educators are bilingual or multilingual, MCC wanted to provide an opportunity for them to hone their professional skills. Students can earn college credits and continue on a path to a degree at MCC and a four-year school.
This semester, MCC will start with the Child Growth and Development class in Fall Mini-mester I and the Introduction to Early Childhood Education class in Fall Mini-mester II. More classes in Spanish will run in the Spring and Summer 2027 semesters.
The courses address the foundations of ECE, including child development, educational theories, observation, curriculum and learning environments, positive guidance, social-emotional development, family engagement, trauma and resilience, and professionalism. Porter believes the program guides students to become more well-rounded educators.
“Understanding child development helps teachers better understand why children behave and respond in certain ways, recognize developmental milestones, plan age-appropriate activities, and meet children where they are developmentally,” Porter said. “Our goal is for students to leave the program feeling better prepared to support the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually while creating nurturing, inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning environments.”
To adapt the program to Spanish, Hernandez reviewed course objectives, readings, assignments, discussions, assessments and resources. She also identified appropriate Spanish-language resources for students to be able to make connections between the academic content and real experiences of educators in the classroom.
“My goal was to make sure the courses maintained the same academic rigor, learning outcomes, and expectations while also being linguistically and culturally accessible to Spanish-speaking students,” Hernandez said. “The response has been very positive. Students appreciate having the opportunity to learn complex early childhood concepts in a language in which they can fully participate, ask questions, reflect, and express their ideas.”
Focusing on developing critical thinking skills, Hernandez enjoys watching students connect what they are learning with their experiences in the classroom. She believes students are building their confidence and beginning to see themselves as future leaders in the field.
“Providing Early Childhood Education courses in Spanish sends an important message to educators – your language is an asset, your experience matters, and there is a place for you in higher education,” Hernandez said. “It is about creating opportunity, strengthening the Early Childhood Education workforce, and developing the next generation of educators and leaders who reflect the children, families, and communities they serve.”