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A scholarship to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators could cover all costs to attend KCC, after other financial aid is considered. 
The Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program is "available for undergraduate study at public and non-profit private 2- and 4-year Gateways-entitled and Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity member institutions," according to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

"Scholarship recipients must be  “a member of the incumbent workforce, currently working or having worked in the early childhood field, including family child care and center-based care settings, Preschool for All school-based settings, and Head Start, that serves children from birth to age 5 and includes teachers, assistant teachers, directors, family child care providers and assistants. Applicants must provide documentation confirming their membership in the Gateways to Opportunity®” 

"For students attending community colleges and public universities, the scholarship will cover the applicant's total cost of attendance for an academic year (including summer) after other financial aid received.”

"Recipients of the scholarship are expected to continue or return to teaching or direct services in the early childhood care and education field in Illinois after they complete their program of study."

Eligibility and application information, plus more details are on ISAC's website dedicated to the scholarship. 

KCC offers a number of Early Childhood Education, programs, including Associate in Applied Science and Gateways certificates.

Additional details:

For more information about education programs at KCC: contact Sarah Gowler at sgowler@kcc.edu.

KCC Education Programs video

KCC flier with details for Early Childhood Education majors

The Office of the Secretary of Defense has presented Maggie Wolf, director of adult education at Kankakee Community College, with a Patriotic Employer Award. 

Wolf was nominated by Gregg Beglau, coordinator of student support and transition in KCC’s Adult and Community Education Department. Beglau is also a chief petty officer in the Navy Reserves, stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes, north of Chicago.  
The Patriotic Employer Award is offered through the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program. According to the ESGR website, the award recognizes “support provided directly to the nominating service member and his or her family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.”

Michael Holub, vice-chair of the Illinois ESGR, presented Wolf with the award at KCC’s employee recognition event on Friday, Nov. 5.

“My friend, Gregg, lives his life through honor and integrity,” Wolf said. “He serves the students in our program with care and purpose.” Wolf added that when Beglau is away from the college on military duty, he stays connected with his KCC co-workers through phone calls and emails.

“His accomplishments are his own, but I have certainly enjoyed watching his achievements from the sidelines,” Wolf said. “Supporting Gregg’s military services supports my friend, but also supports the country that I love.”

“The entire college community is supportive of my service,” Beglau said. “They always wish me well when I leave on orders. When I was selected and accepted as a chief petty officer a couple of years ago, my supervisor (Wolf) recognized my accomplishment by having a celebration for me at work and inviting the entire college community.

“My supervisor makes it a point to say that she does not expect me to do my work while I am away. She allows me to, because I have a personal sense of pride with my work responsibilities, and it is preferable to me to continue to respond to emails as they come.”

KCC is also offers a number of services to veterans and their dependents who are students. It is  recognized as a Military Friendly College by militrayfriendly.com. 

KCC's Student Affairs Department offers numerous resources and services to get through the semester. They include study tips and tools for stress/anxiety management. Choose from any of the following links to find resources  appropriate for your needs.

Relieving stress / managing test anxiety

• What test anxiety is and how to reduce it
• Create a weekly planner to schedule studying and space study time into chunks. This site also includes links to a word doc and PDF of a schedule to utilize.
• Relaxation strategies
• Video featuring effective stress relievers (the video is embedded on the page)

Study tips to conquer finals

1. Create your own study guide
2. Ask questions 
3. Attend review sessions 
4. Know your final exam schedule and start ahead schedule 
5. Teach back the material to peers 
6. Revolve your focus, switching between subjects is a helpful way to learn and prevent burnout on one topic 
7. Utilize platforms like YouTube for visual/auditory learners 

KCC resources

• Disability Services
• Counseling & Referral Services

Additional academic services offered by Student Affairs staff

• Assistance with adjusting to college
• Relieving Test anxiety
• Overcoming academic difficulties
• Problem-solving
• Improving communication skills
• Building effective relationships

For more information on how KCC's academic success advisors can help you, email advising@kcc.edu or phone 815-802-8500.
 

​The Veterans Association at KCC is hosting a toy drive for Toys For Tots from Nov. 15 - Dec. 15.

Drop off locations are:

• KCC Veterans Center on the second floor
• Workforce Development Center Entrance
• Near the Library entrance 

Event flier.

Toys must be new and unwrapped, for ages up to 12, and must not be realistic-looking weapons or gifts with food.

Any questions please contact Jason Rodriguez at jrodriguez@kcc.edu or call 815-802-8557.