March 6, 2026

Roanoke-Chowan Community College Celebrates Inaugural Child Care Academy Graduates

                                                                       

AHOSKIE, NC– Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) proudly celebrated the successful completion of its inaugural Child Care Academy during a certificate ceremony held February 27. The event marked the culmination of two intensive weeks of daily instruction, hands‑on learning and professional development designed to prepare new child care professionals for entry into the workforce.
 
The first cohort of graduates included: Shadae Battle, Shardejah Deloatch, Jalanna Graham, Emily Holley, Arielle Priester and Keyonia Williams.
 
Each participant completed more than 16 required training courses including infant/toddler safe sleep practices, medication administration in child care, emergency preparedness and response, CPR/First Aid, playground safety, shaken baby syndrome prevention and the Foundations of Early Learning and Development. Graduates also built professional résumés, strengthened workplace skills and produced a career portfolio to share with prospective employers.
 
The ceremony opened with remarks from Steven Mathews, Vice President of Workforce & Institutional Advancement, who emphasized the significance of the new academy in supporting statewide efforts to address critical staffing shortages in early childhood education.
 
“Today we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our students who have completed this accelerated, high‑quality training program,” Mathews said. “This academy was created to prepare passionate individuals who are ready to make a difference in the lives of children, families and communities.”
 
Dean of Academic Affairs Charmaine Smith also congratulated the graduates, reminding them that they are now part of the R-CCC alumni community with ongoing opportunities for growth and support.
 
A highlight of the event was a heartfelt reflection from Marquita Moore‑Raynor, Child Care Academy Program Coordinator, who led the Academy. She described the program as “passion work” and celebrated the students’ perseverance, confidence and commitment.
 
“Participants didn’t just complete coursework—they built confidence, strengthened their professional skills and discovered what they are truly capable of,” Moore‑Raynor said. “This Academy reflects what R‑CCC stands for: connecting community with career opportunities and transforming passion into preparation.”
 
R-CCC President Dr. Murray J. Williams emphasized the program’s role in meeting essential workforce needs.
 
“This first Child Care Academy represents the heart of our mission—connecting community needs with meaningful career pathways,” Williams said. “These graduates have demonstrated determination, compassion and a true commitment to the well‑being of young children. We are proud to support their journey and excited to see the positive impact they will make across our region.”
 
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and recognition of each graduate’s accomplishments.
 
The Roanoke-Chowan Community College Child Care Academy is funded through a grant from the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), utilizing funds from the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5). It is designed to respond to community workforce needs while opening doors for individuals beginning careers in early childhood care.
 
The next academies are slated to begin March 17 and June 16. For more information about these future opportunities, visit https://www.roanokechowan.edu/child-care-academy.
 

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission

Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243