Corporate and Community Development

Continuing Education includes College and Career Readiness (Basic Skills), Hispanic/Latino Initiative, Human Resources Development (HRD), Occupational Extension, and Lifelong Learning. Workforce Development includes Fire, Emergency Medical Services and Rescue, and Law Enforcement; Business and Industry Services; NCWorks Career Centers; and the Small Business Center (SBC).

College and Career Readiness (Basic Skills)

The mission of the Basic Skills program at ECC is to provide educational opportunities for adults 16 years of age or older who are out of school. The program focuses on the needs of adults who do not have a high school diploma or who need basic education skills to function effectively in society. The programs are Adult Basic Education (ABE I & II), Adult High School (AHS) Online, English as a Second Language (ESL), and High School Equivalency (HSE).

Materials are available in books and via classroom technology. Regardless of previous education, students begin at their current skill level and progress at their own pace. An instructor is always present to assist students in their studies. After placement testing occurs, students are then assigned to face-to-face classes to receive instruction on their appropriate grade level. There is no tuition fee to attend the center, but students should bring pencils and notebook paper. Programs are located on both campuses and classes are generally scheduled Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Depending on the location, there are also off-site programs that operate during the morning, afternoon, and evening hours.  Students may obtain additional information from any Basic Skills Center instructor on the Rocky Mount or Tarboro campus.

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Adult Basic Education (ABE I)

ABE I (formerly Compensatory Education) is defined as those educational opportunities that allow adults with developmental disabilities to function at their fullest potential. The program focuses on necessary and real-life skills, which are language, social studies, mathematics, consumer economics, community living, health, and vocational education. These skills are geared toward helping students become independent and self-directing in the home, on the job, and in the community.

Adult Basic Education (ABE II)

ABE is a competency-based curriculum designed to assist adults who wish to improve their basic skills in reading, writing, communication, and mathematics. The curriculum also focuses on the exploration of life skills such as critical thinking, self-esteem, and job performance. ABE II is a stepping stone needed for advancement to additional studies in High School Equivalency (HSE). Students progress at their rate of learning, based on their abilities and needs. Students are provided books based on their assessment level.

ABE II classes are offered on the Rocky Mount and the Tarboro campuses, as well as at some community sites. No registration fee is required, and the college provides specially prepared materials with an emphasis on adult needs and interests.

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High School Equivalency (HSE)

The HSE program is designed for adults who at some point left the traditional public school classroom and desire to work towards what has commonly been known as the GED. A series of five tests designed to measure general competence is required.  Reading, mathematics, science, social studies, and writing skills are the five testing areas.

An individualized plan of study via face-to-face classes is created for each student. Upon successful completion of tests, students earn the equivalent of a high school diploma. To be admitted to the HSE program, individuals must meet the following requirements:

1. Students must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Students who are 16 and 17 years of age may enroll only with written permission from the appropriate high school official and the consent of their parent or legal guardian. To apply to the program, students must complete an application and appear before an admissions committee.

The HSE component is offered at no cost to the student. However, students who take the HSE test must pay a testing fee. Students also must submit a copy of their Social Security card and a picture ID before enrolling.

HSE classes are offered on the Rocky Mount campus, the Tarboro campus, and at other community sites. Students completing the HSE may participate in the ECC annual graduation ceremony. They may purchase caps and gowns through the Student Services Department.

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Adult High School (AHS) Online

The AHS program is offered online through NovaNet, which is approved by the Department of Public Instruction. The AHS program is designed for students who want the opportunity to complete the courses needed to earn an Adult High School Diploma. The AHS program of ECC is fully accredited as a high school in partnership with the Edgecombe County Public School System, and graduates are granted the same rights and privileges as graduates of any high school in North Carolina.

Adults who are 18 years of age or older may enroll. Individuals who are 16 and 17 years of age may enroll with special permission from public school officials and parents or legal guardians. There are no fees or tuition for this program. Additional information can be obtained from the program director. Students completing the AHS program may participate in the ECC annual graduation ceremony. They may purchase caps and gowns through the Student Services Department.

Requirements for graduation are as follows:

• Four (4) units of English
• Four (4) of Mathematics (including Algebra I)
• Three (3) units of Science
• Four (4) of History
• One (1) unit of Health/Physical Education*
• Six (6) Electives

Total of Twenty-two (22) units required

* Students who have not passed high school Physical Education cannot enroll in the AHS program.

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English Language Acquisition (ELA) Program

The ELA program consists of classes that assist adults with limited or no English proficiency. ELA classes are offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.

The course curriculum is designed to develop or improve skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The English language is integrated with topics that prepare students for everyday life, citizenship, the workforce, and high school equivalency preparation.

Classes are currently offered on the Rocky Mount campus on Saturday mornings from 8 am to 12 noon. The Basic Skills department provides all books and instructional materials.

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Hispanic / Latino Initiative

The purpose of the Hispanic/Latino Initiative is to assist the Hispanic/Latino community in Edgecombe County with a smooth transition from their culture and language to the American culture and language. It is designed to provide resources and training at the college for individuals to improve their quality of life. The Hispanic/Latino community is offered the opportunity to obtain and develop their personal, communication, and workplace skills.

Under this program, the college offers a variety of Spanish classes continuingly to assist citizens in learning how to communicate in another language. Several English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes are offered on the campuses and in the community.

Additionally, the college offers a course, Workplace Spanish for School Employees, designed for teachers of Edgecombe County Public Schools to develop their Spanish speaking skills. As a result, teachers become more aware of the Hispanic/Latino culture.

The college collaborates with the City of Rocky Mount to hold the Latino Festival in downtown Rocky Mount.

For more information about the Hispanic/Latino Initiative, interested persons should contact the Hispanic/Latino Coordinator at 252-823-5166.

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Human Resources Development (HRD)

HRD is a state-funded program administered by the North Carolina Community College System. HRD focuses on the development of essential workplace skills by providing skill assessment services, employability skills training, and career development counseling to unemployed and underemployed adults. There is an HRD program in all 58 community colleges.

The HRD program is student-centered and focuses on the creation of developmental activities geared toward (1) the acquisition of work-related and family self-sufficiency skills, (2) the establishment of a variety of options for upgrading employment-related skills, and (3) the development of proactive outreach, instructional, and case management strategies to help students reach their goals.

Local colleges have the flexibility to customize the scope and duration of courses to meet the needs of their community or targeted populations. Thus, HRD programs offer short-term training classes, usually 4 to 10 hours, in addition to their traditional employability skills courses that are offered from 40 to 115 hours. Course offerings include topics such as Interview/Resume/Application (IRA), Roadmap to Re-Entry, Basic Financial Literacy, SUPER Man, SUPER Woman, Job Smart, and On Target for Employment. HRD courses are free of charge to individuals who meet one of the following criteria: (1) are unemployed, (2) have received notice of layoff, (3) are working, but their income is 200 percent below the federal poverty level, or, (4) are working, and eligible for the federal earned income tax credit (This factor is appealing to individuals who need training but cannot afford to pay the registration fee).

For additional information concerning the HRD program and HRD classes, interested persons should contact the HRD Director.

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Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning is a department that engages in innovative community-based programming that fosters cultural and intellectual teaching and learning with an emphasis on creative expression, social interaction, global understanding, and personal satisfaction.

Lifelong Learning creates classes for diverse populations/communities based upon need. These courses offer opportunities reflecting the needs of business, industry, professional and public service agencies, and community services.

Following are some of the different classes and programs offered at Edgecombe Community College. If you are interested in a course that you do not see listed, please contact us.

ALIVE@25

ARTS
Line Dancing
Shag Dancing
Storytelling

CREATIVE
Crochet for Beginners
Crochet - Advanced
Distress Furniture with Southern Strokes Design (by Jennifer Cooke)
DIY Wooden Pallets Furniture Design
Gunsmithing
Introduction to Scrapbooking
Splash into Painting
Spring Bows & Wreath Making
Upholstery Auto/Marine
Upholstery Repair

CULINARY ARTS
Basic Cake Decorating
Cooking School Series

FITNESS
Spring into Fitness (with Savannah Cummins)
Golf Basics (with Tommie Deal at Maccripine Country Club)

HISTORIC PRESERVATION - GENEALOGY
Introduction to Genealogy
Understanding Census Records - Advanced Genealogy
Identifying and Preserving Old Photos - Advanced Genealogy
Military Records - Advanced Genealogy
Researching Historic Property

HISTORIC PRESERVATION - CONSTRUCTION and TRADES
Wood Roofing Repair
Historic Carpentry Tools
Building with Reclaimed Material
Structural Pathology
Historic Landscape and Gardening
Build an Adirondack Chair
Windows and Exterior Doors
Porch Repair
Painting and Finishing
Barns, Smokehouses, and Dependencies
Architecture of Northeastern North Carolina
Designing and Replicating Historic Home Interiors
Annual Preservation Trades Fair

HORTICULTURE/GARDENING
Beekeeping: Managing a Colony of Bees

MUSIC
Beginning Guitar
Intermediate Guitar

SAFETY
Motorcycle Safety

TECHNOLOGY
Introduction to MS Word & PowerPoint
Introduction to MS Excel
Introduction to PowerPoint
Android for Newbies
iPhone for Newbies
Keyboarding
Simple Computers

For more information about Lifelong Learning, interested persons should contact the Continuing Education Program Administrator at 252-823-5166 ext. 357.

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Occupational Extension Classes

Occupational Extension classes are designed for the specific purpose of training individuals for employment, upgrading the skills of persons presently employed, and retraining others for new jobs. Classes are offered in all technical and occupational fields and vary in length according to the complexity of the skill and the need of the employee or employer. Most classes are developed and taught on request, are usually offered at a time and location convenient to the employee and employer, and are custom-designed.

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Continuing Education Online Classes

Ed2Go classes are online continuing education classes that can be completed at home, in the office, in the college media center. These courses are offered every month, with the length of the courses being about eight weeks. Two lessons are issued each week for six weeks, and the average time required to complete each is about two hours. Because the book is online, there is no extra fee. There is a chat room with the instructor and other students around the world, as well as supplementary materials and assignments. The majority of the classes are through occupational extension, while some are only for personal enrichment. These classes are considered 24 contact hours, which equals 2.4 CEUs. There is a specific category for teacher renewal classes. All Ed2Go classes are monitored electronically by the Lifelong Learning office. Interested persons should visit the college’s website to view the variety of courses offered.

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Recertification Classes

Courses can be custom-designed for recertification. Teachers can take occupational extension classes if they relate to their field of work or take ED2Go courses online. A class that is ten contact hours is one CEU for teachers. When individuals complete a class, the Continuing Education office issues a certificate, which can be submitted to the NC Department of Public Instruction for teacher renewal credit.

The Special Programs office works with other state agencies that require annual recertification for professionals. Some of the agencies are the NC Real Estate Commission, NC Appraisal Board, NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners, NC State Board of Examiners for Electrical Contractors, NC Board of Nursing, and NC Department of Health/Human Services Division of Facility Services. These agencies consider one contact hour to be equal to one CEU. The Special Programs office submits names of those completing the courses to the appropriate agencies and also issues official certificates to the attendees.

For more information about Continuing Education, and Recertification Classes, contact the Continuing Education Program Assistant at (252) 823-5166 ext. 357.

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Business and Industry Services

Business and Industry Services offers Customized Training Programs funded by the NCCCS for individual companies meeting the criteria described below. Specific courses customized to individual business needs, public courses for individuals. Business and Industry Services also offer WorkKeys(R) services and NC Career Readiness Certificates.

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Customized Training Programs

The purpose of the Customized Training Program is to provide individualized training assistance in support of full-time production and direct customer service positions created in the State of North Carolina, thereby enhancing the growth potential of companies located in the state while simultaneously preparing North Carolina’s workforce with the skills essential to successful employment in emerging industries.

Qualified businesses include: Manufacturing, Technology Intensive (i.e., Information Technology, Life Sciences), Regional or National Warehousing and Distribution Centers, Customer Support Centers, Air Courier Services, National Headquarters with operations outside of North Carolina, and Civil Service employees providing technical support to US military installations located in North Carolina.

Eligible businesses and industries must demonstrate two or more of the following criteria to receive assistance:

• The company is making an appreciable capital investment;
• The business is deploying new technology;
• The firm is creating jobs, expanding an existing workforce, or enhancing the productivity and profitability of the operations within the State; and,
• The assistance will improve the skills of the workers.

Resources may support training assessment, instructional design, instructional costs, and training delivery for personnel involved in the direct production of goods and services. Production and technology support positions are also eligible for training support.

Full-time probationary employees of qualified Customized Training companies are eligible for training delivered by the community college. The use of Customized Training funds requires that the company pays trainees for all time during training hours.

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Customized Courses for Individual Businesses

Courses can be provided at times and locations that meet individual business needs. Examples include:

• Apprenticeship programs approved by the Department of Labor
• Kepner-Tregoe courses (a nationally recognized leader in problem-solving): currently ECC offers Analytical Troubleshooting for industrial employees
• Leadership, supervisory, customer service & recruiting & selection skills
  • DDI, Development Dimensions International ®
  • DISC - a behavior-based learning tool for understanding individuals & groups
• Practical Project Management - a 3-day seminar for professionals who are new to managing projects or experienced managers who wish to review and reinforce best practices in project management. It offers foundation tools & techniques as defined by the Project Management Institute.
• Continuous Improvement Skills and Methods,
  • ISO 9000 Auditing and Implementation courses
  • Lean Six Sigma Yellowbelt, Greenbelt, & Blackbelt
  • Specific Lean and Six Sigma Topics Including:
    • 5S
    • Process & Value Stream Mapping
    • Error Proofing
    • Lean Office
    • Quick Changeover
    • Theory of Constraints
    • Design of Experiments
    • Statistical Process Control
• Safety Skills, for example:
  • Confined Space
  • Forklift Training
  • HazCom
  • HazWoper 24, 40, Refresher
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • OSHA 10 hr. - General Industry
  • PPE
• Specific Technical Skills:
  • AutoCAD
  • Biotechnology
  • Computer Applications: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Access, FrontPage, QuickBooks, Publisher, and Windows; Introduction to Computers, Internet Basic, and More
  • Hydraulics & Pneumatics
  • Machining
  • Manufacturing Automation
  • MSSC Certified Production Technician
  • PLCs - Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Refrigeration
• Train the Trainer

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Business and Industry Public Course Offerings

These courses enable students to upgrade professional skills; learn new technologies, or achieve professional certifications, licensures, renewals, or job skill upgrades. These courses are offered as a result of requests or identified needs and can be open to any appropriate individual.

• Introduction to Tire Manufacturing - a 33-hour course, successful completion is required for employment consideration at Bridgestone in Wilson, NC
• Introduction to Electronics Manufacturing - a 30-hour course, successful completion is required for employment consideration at Keihin CST in Tarboro, NC (call for details)

For more information on any Customized Training or Business and Industry Services offerings contact the Director of Customized Training and Workforce Development at (252) 823-5166, ext. 197.

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WorkKeys® and North Carolina’s Career Readiness Certificate (CRC)

The WorkKeys® system provides job profiles, skill assessments, and skills training in necessary workplace skills. The Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) certifies core employability skills required across multiple industries and occupations. It:

• Is a portable credential that promotes career development and skill attainment for the individual
• Confirms to employers that an individual possesses essential workplace skills in reading for information, applied math, and locating information and is capable of learning job-specific skills
• Is an Economic and Workforce Development tool that transcends all populations and all occupations
• Is a Multi-Level Approach: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Level Certificates
  • Bronze Level - core employability skills for approximately 30% of the jobs profiled by WorkKeys® in these skill areas
  • Silver Level - core employability skills for approximately 65% of the jobs profiled by WorkKeys® in these skill areas
  • Gold Level - core employability skills for approximately 90% of the jobs profiled by WorkKeys® in these skill areas
  • Platinum Level - core employability skills for approximately 99% of the jobs profiled by WorkKeys® in these skill areas
• Is earned by the individual by assessing with WorkKeys® in reading, applied math, and locating information (WorkKeys® is a comprehensive employability skills assessment tool used by thousands of companies in the United States and internationally)
• Program is administered by local community colleges and NCWorks Career Centers.
• For more information about this testing service, you can visit the following website: www.crcnc.org. In addition to the general information, students and clients will find practice tests on this website.
• CRC fees are as follows:
              $30.00 - Complete battery - Reading for Information, Locating Information, and Applied Math.
              $10.00 - Cost for individual assessment.
              $  5.00 - Cost for a reprint of scores.
              $10.00 - Cost of a certificate.
• For more information about how to request your CRC scores, feel free to e-mail your request to the CRC Administrator.

At Edgecombe Community College contact the CRC Administrator (252) 823-5166, ext. 243, or go to http://www.edgecombe.edu/continuing-education/career-readiness-certificate.

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Emergency Services / Public Safety

The Fire Service program provides full time and volunteer fire departments with the opportunity to gain knowledge, practical skills, and certification in modern firefighting, rescue, officer development, and fire department management skills. The Emergency Medical Services and Rescue program provides certification in a wide variety of emergency medical and rescue-related programs. The Law Enforcement program provides Sworn Credentialed Law Enforcement Officers, Detention Officers, and Communication Personnel with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills based on new and existing technology. The First Responder program provides a wide variety of specialized training to individuals and organizations that are included in the Emergency Management and local government emergency plans and recognized as first responders during disaster and emergencies. First Responders include, but are not limited to, Emergency Medical Personnel, Firefighters, Hospital Staff, Law Enforcement, Public Health Personnel, Public Works/Utility Personnel, Skilled Support Personnel, and other emergency management response, support, volunteer personnel at all levels. 

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Fire Service

The Fire Service program is designed to provide full time and volunteer fire departments with the opportunity to gain knowledge, practical skills, certification and re-certification in modern firefighting, rescue, medical first responder, officer development, and fire department management skills. Programs are open to all fire department personnel. A broad range of specialty classes, based on both department needs and new training standards, are offered during the year on the college campus or at various fire departments. Fire Service classes that require physical exertion and use specialized departmental equipment may be restricted to credentialed fire service personnel only.

Classes include but are not limited to the following:

• Firefighter Certification (Includes Skill Assessments & Written Tests)
• Basic Fire Fighter Training (Non-Certified, no written test)
• Live Fire Burns (Both Structural, Simulator Trailer and LP Gas)
• Aerial Operations Series
• Driver Operator Series
• Technical Rescuer
• National Incident Management System (IS 700, 100, 200, 300, 400, 800)
• Special Rescue Operations
• Wildland Fire Management & Safety
• Hazardous Materials/Terrorism /Weapons of Mass Destruction
• Search & Rescue
• Basic Arson Awareness
• Clandestine Drug Lab Awareness
• First Responder / CPR / Basic First Aid
• NC Fire Incident Reporting System / Computer Basics
• Spanish for Fire Service
• Water Shuttle

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Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

The EMS and Rescue program is designed to provide certification in a wide variety of emergency medical and rescue- related programs. It provides full time and volunteer Rescue Squads with the opportunity to gain knowledge, practical skills, and advanced skills based on pre-hospital emergencies. Programs are open to all EMS providers. A broad range of specialty classes, based on needs and new training standards, is offered during the year on the college campus or at various departments. Many of these classes may be offered to interested citizens; however, Emergency Medical Service classes that require physical exertion and use specialized departmental equipment may be restricted to credentialed EMS service personnel only.

Classes include but are not limited to:

• Emergency Medical Responder *
• Emergency Medical Technician *
• Advanced EMT *
• Paramedic *
• Trauma Specialty Certifications
• EMS Credential Recertification & Refreshers
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• Technical Rescuer
• BLS - CPR
• Anatomy and Physiology
• National Incident Management System (IS 700, 100, 200, 300, 400, 800)
• Incident Command
• Emergency Vehicle Driving
• Hazardous Materials/Terrorism /Weapons of Mass Destruction
• Clandestine Drug Lab Awareness
• Spanish for EMS
• Scope of Practice Assessment

* Course completion allows students to take the N.C. Office of Emergency Medical Services Credentialing Exam. This four-year renewable certification with required monthly continuing education is completed through departmental in-service training or refresher courses.

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Law Enforcement

The Law Enforcement program at ECC is designed to provide Sworn Law Enforcement Officers, Detention Officers, and Communication Personnel with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills based on new and existing technology. Programs are open to all Law Enforcement Agencies in the State. A broad range of mandated and specialty classes, based on both department needs and new training standards, are offered during the year on the college campus or at various department locations.

Classes include but are not limited to:

• Legal Updates *
• Domestic Violence *
• Ethical Awareness *
• Blood Borne pathogens *
• Juvenile Minority Sensitivity *
• Basic Firearms Training *
• Advanced Firearms Training / Combat
• Officer Survival
• Detention Officer Certification
• Basic Arson Detection / Investigation
• Emergency Medical Technician-Basic
• First Responder / CPR / Basic First Aid
• Report Writing
• Defensive Tactics
• Basic Canine Patrol Dog Training (400Hrs)
• K-9 Handler Training (obedience, agility, tracking, woods & building)
• Advanced K-9 Handler Training (apprehension, narcotics, parcel search)
• Vehicle Search
• Search & Seizure
• Criminal Investigation
• Spanish for Criminal Justice
• National Incident Management System (IS 700, 100, 200, 300, 400, 800)
• Rapid Deployment
• Spanish for Law Enforcement Service
• Verbal Judo
• Customer Service
• AHA CPR, AED & First Aid
• Emergency Medical Dispatcher (CE)

A wide variety of Law Enforcement Initial and Refresher Programs are based on need and departmental requests.
*State mandated annual training may vary by agency.
Classes are offered to sworn, law enforcement officers only.

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Basic Law Enforcement Training, (BLET)

Basic Law Enforcement Training is an accredited program of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission. BLET is designed to give students essential skills required for entry-level employment as law enforcement officers with state, county, or municipal governments, or with private enterprise. Successful graduates earn 18 credits toward an associate degree in criminal justice technology, receive a certificate, and are qualified to take the certification examination mandated by the North Carolina Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
In addition to the BLET Certificate, successful graduates receive certifications in:

• Taser
• Pepper Spray
• Expandable Baton
• Shotgun   

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First Responders

The First Responder program at ECC is designed to provide full time and volunteer disaster and emergency response personnel with the opportunity to gain knowledge, practical skills, emergency response, rescue, and life safety skills. Programs are open to all individuals and organizations that are included in the Emergency Management and local government emergency plans and designated first responders during disaster and emergencies. First responders include, but are not limited to, Emergency Medical Personnel, Firefighters, Hospital Staff, Law Enforcement, Public Health Personnel, Public Works/Utility Personnel, Public School / College Administration & Staff, Skilled Support Personnel and other emergency management response, support, volunteer personnel at all levels.

Classes include but are not limited to:

• National Incident Management System NIMS (IS 700, 100, 200, 300, 400, 800)
• First Responder / CPR / Basic First Aid / AED
• Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operational Level
• Hazardous Materials/Terrorism /Weapons of Mass Destruction
• Search & Rescue
• Legal Updates
• Blood Borne Pathogens
• Emergency Medical Technician-Basic
• Report Writing
• Special Rescue Operations
• Land Search Rescue
• Web EOC
• Multi-Hazards in Schools
• Community Mass Care Management
• Other emerging programs from Federal, State and Local Government Agencies
• Mounted Search & Rescue
• AHA CPR, AED & First Aid

A wide variety of Initial and Refresher Programs are based on Federal, State, and Local Emergency Management requests.
For more information about Fire, EMS and Rescue, and Law Enforcement, contact the coordinator at (252) 823-5166, ext. 293.

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Health Occupations

Edgecombe Community College currently offers various certificate training programs in healthcare. Courses include Personal Home Care Aide State Training (PHCAST), Community Health Coach, Nurse Aide I & II, Nurse Aide I Refresher, Phlebotomy, Medication Aide, and Medication Aide Instructor Training. Healthcare Provider CPR is included in each course except for Medication Aide courses. The college is in partnership with community organizations and developing programs to reach county residents who have an interest in pursuing a health career. Visit the Edgecombe Community College website for registration and class schedules or contact the Health Occupations Coordinator at 252-823-5166 ext. 174 for course information or if you are an agency interested in offering a course for a group of students.

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Small Business Center (SBC)

The ECC Small Business Center is part of a statewide network designed to support the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of training, counseling, and resource information.

The SBC provides free, confidential counseling services for new and existing businesses. Available on an as-needed basis, counselors serve as sounding boards for ideas and concerns individuals may have about their companies. The professional staff also helps find solutions to challenging business questions. The center has contact with crucial local business and community leaders and other member agencies across the state that will help with business ventures.

Private counseling services and access to resource libraries are free of charge. Some seminars and workshops require a minimal registration fee. The SBC offers a wide variety of seminars and workshops to help small businesses be successful. Topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Doing Business with the Military
• Employment Law Updates
• Financing a Business
• How to Start a Business
• How to Write a Business Plan
• Marketing for Success

The SBC has a library of professional resources available. Printed materials including books, pamphlets, magazines, and trade journals, as well as a wide variety of tapes, videos, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, are available for use. In addition to providing training, counseling, and other resources, the SBC puts individuals in touch with vital local business and community leaders. As a member of the North Carolina Business Alliance, the center connects individuals with other member agencies across the state to help jump-start ventures.

For more information, interested persons should contact the following address:
Small Business Center
2009 W. Wilson St.
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 823-5166, ext. 220

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NCWorks Career Centers

The NCWorks Career Center in the Edgecombe County service area is governed by the local area Workforce Development Board, Turning Point WDB. It provides oversight to other centers in the region as well. Job seekers can receive career and labor market counseling to assist with career choices and job placement. The mission of the TPWDB is: Provide a workforce that answers the demands of transforming knowledge and a skills-driven economy.

For more information about the NCWorks Career Center in Edgecombe County, please call 252-443-6175. The Center is located at 110 Fountain Park Drive, Suite 22-B, Battleboro, NC 27809. The mailing address is P.O. Box 7516, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

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Enrollment and Class Schedules

Adults 18 years old or older regardless of educational background who are not enrolled in public school may be admitted to Continuing Education courses. With the approval of the appropriate public school official, some students between 16 and 18 years of age may be considered for enrollment.

Classes are scheduled during the day, in the evening, and on weekends, on and off campus and at various locations and times throughout Edgecombe County. Courses are organized based on need, interest, and availability of suitable facilities. Continuing Education courses are also offered online.

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Registration

Students should register in advance for Continuing Education courses to assure they have a seat. Some courses will require registration and payment in advance. To register for a class or obtain more information, individuals should call the Continuing Education Office on the Tarboro campus at 252-823-5166 ext. 293 or on the Rocky Mount campus at 252-823-5166 ext. 356.

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Fees

The NCCCS State Board sets tuition fees for occupational extension courses. Costs vary depending upon the number of course contact hours.

Tuition fees for self-supporting courses vary according to the number of students enrolled and the materials needed.

Textbook and supply charges are announced at the first class meeting. All students are responsible for textbook and supply fees. No student is officially enrolled until they have paid all charges.

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Refund Policy

Refunds are based on the following circumstances:

1. A 100 percent refund is issued upon the request of students if they are pre-registered for an occupational extension class and officially withdraw from the course before the first day of class.
2. For classes that meet four times or less, a 75 percent refund is issued if persons withdraw on or before the first session of the course and request the refund.
3. For classes that meet five or more times, a 75 percent refund is allowed if students officially withdraw on or before the 10 percent point. The 10 percent point varies from course to course.
4. For contact hour classes, ten calendar days from the first day of the course is the determination date.
5. There are no refunds for self-supporting courses once they have begun.
6. If the course is canceled or seats are not available in the class, the college makes a full refund.

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Attendance and Certificates

1. Students are expected to attend classes regularly. The class teachers maintain attendance records.
2. The Continuing Education office issues official certificates for students who satisfactorily complete classes. Completion criteria vary from class to class.
3. For professional licensure, recertification, and re-licensure, attendance information is forwarded to the appropriate agency by mail or e-mail, if requested by the agency.

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Grading Policy

The Continuing Education Division awards grades for every course taken, regardless of the length of the course. The college maintains all grades on a permanent record indefinitely.

Grade Significance

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Continuing Education Unit (CEU)

The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is designed to recognize and record individual and institutional participation in non-traditional studies and special activities. Recertification, licensure, and re-licensure courses require CEUs. CEUs are awarded for teacher certificate renewal courses in terms of one CEU for every ten course contact hours. Other groups such as real estate brokers, real estate appraisers, cosmetologists, manicurists, estheticians, and electrical contractors receive one CEU for every course contact hour. Policies for CEUs vary from agency to agency.