CLC Students Persevere to Accomplish their Career Goals

After studying at the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) for 5 years, Dexy will graduate this June from two programs: CLC’s English Program (ESOL) and the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Career Training Program! 

Dexy started taking level 2 English class at the CLC in October 2021. “It was hard because I didn’t know the language and I didn’t know many people,” she says. While taking English classes, Dexy got a job at a public school in Cambridge. “During lunch and recess, I helped the kids. I liked being able to work with young children,” she explains. “I saw children like my son when he was little and my little nephew now. I could help them learn things and impact their lives.

This experience motivated her to apply to the CLC’s ECE Career Training Program in 2023, which provides training and job experience to people interested in becoming an infant, toddler, or preschool teacher. To be eligible for the program, applicants need the equivalent of 11th grade English. “I did not get accepted. My English was not high enough," explains Dexy. "I tried to have a positive mental attitude and kept studying English at the CLC.”

In 2024, Dexy got a part-time job as a class aide at the CLC. “I love teaching and helping people learn. I liked working with adults, but kids are so engaged and I really wanted to teach kids!” she says. That summer, Dexy applied for the ECE program again. “I did not get accepted. I still needed to work on my English. So I kept working at CLC and continued in my level 4 English class."

In August 2025, Dexy applied for the ECE program for the third time. “This time I made it!” smiles Dexy. “I was accepted into the program and started in October."

Participants in the ECE Career Training program must complete 120 training hours and work 480 hours in a Cambridge early childhood classroom. They also must attend classes at the CLC and complete a professional portfolio before applying to earn their Child Development Associate Credential.

For the past 8 months, Dexy has been working as an intern at the CAAS HeadStart in Cambridge while participating in the ECE program classes. At the same time, she is taking a level 5 English class at night. “It was hard to do, but all is possible if you are organized and keep going,” she says.  

Now, Dexy is preparing to graduate from both programs, and she already has a job offer from HeadStart to work as a substitute preschool teacher. “I feel happy when kids learn something. I like it when they just get it,” she say. “I am excited to have a career teaching children!” 

Many adult students have to study for years to achieve their career goals. They need to improve their reading and writing skills in English and also gain professional qualifications. It is not easy, but with perseverance, support, and hard work it is possible.  

Do you want to launch a career as an early childhood educator? Sign up for an information session to learn about the program.  

For more information about the Community Learning Center, visit www.cambridgema.gov/CLC.