CDA Council for Professional Recognition

"My role as an infant teacher is just as important as your role as a chemistry teacher."

Dr. Tonia Durden, NAEYC board president, said that on tomorrow's Council Table season finale.

She has spent her career making this case in classrooms, in research, and now at the national level. Tomorrow, she brings it to the Council Table.

What would actually change in your program or community if early childhood educators were compensated like K-12 teachers? Tell us in the comments.

Tuesday, we introduced you to the team at Metropolitan Community College, who built a CDA® pathway where educators never have to go it alone.

Today, we want you to meet India Smith.

India has worked with children in Omaha for over eight years. After earning her CDA credential through MCC, with mentor Diana Molina by her side, she now sings during circle time. Her read-alouds are more interactive. She approaches challenging moments with patience she built through the credentialing process.

She lives by Proverbs 16:24: "Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

That is India. Read her full story here: https://bit.ly/4uCRFVc

Beatriz Altidor earned her preschool CDA® credential, and one look at her classroom tells you this has been a long time coming.

Science. Reading. Writing. Music. Art. Every child's name on the wall. A room built with love and intention by someone who clearly takes this work seriously.

The CDA recognizes what Beatriz already knew about herself. Help us wish Beatriz congratulations!

The biggest barrier to earning a CDA® is often not a lack of motivation. It is not having the right support around you when things get hard.

Metropolitan Community College in Omaha built something to fix that. A self-paced, fully supported CDA pathway where educators get a mentor coach from day one, bilingual support, weekly workshops where moms can bring their kids, and a team that shows up at every step of the process.

"We're in the people business," says instructor Deanna Peterson.

Part 1 of 2. Come back tomorrow to meet one of the educators this program served.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4dvWSIo

It's back! The Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act has officially been reintroduced in Congress.

Led by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Lucy McBath (D-GA), the bill would invest in the future of the early childhood workforce by expanding high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways for aspiring educators.

This legislation would provide competitive grants to partnerships between colleges, child care providers, and community organizations to establish, support, and expand ECE-focused CTE programs. These programs would help students gain valuable classroom experience while working toward credentials such as the CDA®.

The bill also includes wraparound services, making it easier for aspiring educators to complete their education and enter the workforce prepared to succeed.

Contact your legislator now to ask them to add their name to the bill: https://bit.ly/3PEVo5k