Early Childhood Education Stories (ECE)

More than just a job ... it's a career.

 

After ten years in the early childhood education field, Renee Hillian decided she needed to take steps toward making what was once just a job, a career - she decided to get her Child Development Associate Credential™.

"I'd been in childcare for a long time and when I moved to Maryland, everyone asked if I had my CDA," she said. I decided to earn my credential because "I thought it was a good way to continue my education and I knew it would look good on my resume." Renee began building her portfolio as part of the application process. When she learned she could finish earning her credential through the Summer 2012 CDA Pilot Program, she said she was excited to give it a chance. I take online classes and I thought, I'm on the computer anyway, so why not? she said. The CDA Pilot Program was designed to simulate the experience of taking the CDA exam in a PearsonVUE testing center. The program mirrored the way the CDA exam will be administered in the CDA 2.0 process, which will begin in June 2013. Overall, Renee said she was really impressed with the new certification process.  "It was a much easier process," she said. "I think it was a good way to do the CDA." Since completing the Pilot Program and earning her CDA, Renee advocates for CDA and encourages her co-workers to earn The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.™ "If people really want childcare to be their profession, they should get a CDA," she said. "Anybody can do it at any age and I think it's a good professional step in your career."

Renee Hillian CDA recipient – August 2012
- Renee Hillian

I had been working with children for about three years when I was given the opportunity to obtain my CDA. During the process I was able to gain so much knowledge about all aspects of caring for children and catering to their unique abilites and cultural differences that I undoubtly saw myself as not just a caregiver but as an early childhood educator. Obtaining my CDA has become a confidence booster and stepping stone to furthering my education. I have just completed my associates degree and am currently working towards my bachelors, two things I would have never done had it not been for the CDA!
- Tanesha Sanders

I started working at the University of Dubuque Childcare Center in October of 2009. I was hired as a floater to work with three age groups, Infants, Toddlers, and Twos. In August of 2010, I was assigned to work as the Infant room assistant. I was so excited that I was fortunate enough to work with the age group I had wanted. I was content and happy but our childcare center was expanding due to the need for more room. This meant that there was going to be a need for more lead teachers. The teacher I was working with encouraged me to possibly pursue additional education. She thought I would make "a great CDA", and this was an opportunity I shouldn't pass up. I took her advice and enrolled in the Care Courses classes online. I worked full time and did my classes nightly. I worked on my Resource file nearly every day, and completed the additional tasks as well in a matter of 7 months. I was promoted to Lead Infant Room Teacher in August of 2011 (the teacher I worked with took a position with the toddlers). I am so happy that I went through the whole process and thankful that I have co-workers who think highly of me and gave me the confidence I needed. On October 13, 2011, I found out that I received my CDA credential. What a rewarding feeling. All my hard work paid off. Now I tell others about the CDA program and what a great opportunity it is. Many, many thanks to the Council for Professional Recognition.
- Rhonda Baule, Iowa

Hello! My name is Kendra T. Barnes, and I wanted to share my story, because I was very fortunate to become a CDA at a crucial point in the history of Early Childhood Education. I had a chance to become a CDA in 2003 but decided to pass on it because at the time I was pregnant and did not want to go to the late night classes that were being given. Thank heavens my employer at the time (NAS Jacksonville Child Development Center) gave me a second chance and offered to pay their employees' fees for the process of becoming a CDA. I partnered with a great friend/co-worker (Sylvia McBride), and we tag-teamed in getting all the information for the resource file and helped each other with encouragement to complete those competency goals. If you have someone to tag team with, it is a great idea. After completing my observations and submitting the information to Washington, I was nervous as ever because I knew the next step was to take the test and submit all that I had wrote about myself, and how I gave back to the Early Childhood field in serving and caring for the children in my care. The test went fine and the CDA Representative made me feel comfortable enough that I was not so nervous when it came time for the test. I knew I did a great job, and so I waited to here from the Council. When I received the award letter and my credential in the mail, it was a feeling of accomplishment and made me want to continue in going much further with my career as an Early Childhood caregiver. All those nights of putting my daughter to sleep early so that I could work on the writing of my goals and the early Saturday mornings going to the library paid off big time. You see, at the time I did not have a computer at home and had to make several trips to the library for research and to make copies, I would have a purse full of dimes!!! (for the copier at the library). Once I received and renewed three years later, I went on and began my journey in obtaining my degree in Early Childhood Education, and I'm still pushing through in that journey. The great thing about having a CDA is that it is a national certification. I started in Florida and then moved to Louisiana where it was recognized and did help me in finding a job at the local Child Care Resource and Referral (Volunteers of America Partnerships In Child Care). In my current position I do work with people who work in child care, and I also conduct classes for child care centers and home providers that need a certain amount of hours to continue to be registered through the state. About three months ago, I got my acceptance letter from the Council to be an Advisor. In being an Advisor I can now help those in child care become a CDA also. My next step is to become a Council Representative and administer test to those aspiring people who want to make Early Childhood a better place for our children. I wish that I would have known about this program long before 2003, and because I do know about it, I tell all who work with children about it.
- Kendra Barnes, Louisiana

Starting a new job in the childcare arena was exciting! I knew that I enjoyed working with children, and it was a great opportunity to stay at home with my daughter. One year turned into two, and before I knew it two years turned into six. On daily walks with the children I passed by Pratt Educational Services, which provided CDA training. This was my first time hearing about this type of training. I inquired and received information about the benefits of educating myself in the field of early childhood education and development. I wanted to provide the best experiences for the children in my care and offer activities that will help them when entering school. After careful consideration I decided to sign up for training. Participating in the five month training course was the best thing I ever did! I learned the fundamentals of early childhood education, learned what developmentally appropriate practice was, how to make interactive charts that align with curricula for the children, and most of all how to improve my verbal skills with parents when discussing their children. I had learned the verbiage and education that set me apart from being just a "babysitter" to a Professional Childcare Provider. The CDA training was a plus when I interviewed families and I had evidence of specialized training; that set me apart from other providers. Furthermore, my passion for early childhood education grew, and I soon enrolled in college. I have an associates degree in ECE and a bachelors in Child Psychology, and I became an advisor for the Council of Professional Recognition! My home has been used as a learning station for a vocational program that teaches ECE to high school students. I have truly gone beyond my expectations, and I know the CDA process was a base for my enthusiasm.
- Traci McNeil, Ohio

I am an Assistant VPK Teacher with a local childcare group. I had a director who encouraged me to get my CDA. My short journey had begun. I, too, was a little hesitant and fearful of failing when I saw what was needed to accomplish this task. The idea of having someone observe me made me nervous like test taking. Through prayer, support and encouragement of others, I made a decision to go for it. My CDA courses were completed online from August-December, 2010. I received my National CDA credentials in April, 2011. I give God praise for His word, understanding, and wisdom which is my foundation in life and rock to stand upon when faced with fear or any negatives that try to rob me of a great blessing. I would encourage others to go for it whether it's early childhood education or any endeavor in life. Do it now. Have faith. Remember, things aren't always the way they seem. It's not as bad as it looks. After receiving the CDA credentials, I feel a lot more confident in my work with children of any age and have a great desire to be a professional in what I do and say.
- Gloria Williams, Florida

My name is Donna Hayes When I started my CDA my son had just finished college and my daughter was in college. I remember the first class I said to myself oh no this is not for me to much work. I spoke with my Children when I got home and they tore into me. They said Mom you always told us to do our best, and sounds like you’re not even trying. I knew at that moment if I could preach to my kids on being successful, they had every right to preach to me about being successful on my job working with Children and earning my CDA. I went for it and with a lot of late night homework assignments and phone calls to my Children Arthur and Tierra Hayes on how to save my work and correct my papers. I did it. I took the test and a lady from the Council really inspired me to go further with my education. She told me I was a professional now. I encourage anyone who works with Children to go ahead and get your CDA. It is well worth it. When I received my Certificate for my Nationals in the mail, I cried I was so happy. I would also like to Thank my Director and my Assistant Director for really supporting me. Thanks Cindy and Gina.
- Donna Hayes, Florida

After a divorce, school lay-offs, and a serious heart condition, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment when I recently received my CDA. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step”. These words have greatly impacted my life. I once lacked confidence to pursue my passion for teaching, but now I have an unquestioning belief that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”(Philippians 4:13). My family, friends, fiancée, as well as wonderful teachers support my pursuits. I am now getting ready to attain my Directors Creditional, VPK Endorsement, and to enroll in classes to begin my AS in Early Childhood Education. I am no longer fearful, but empowered to go take the next flight of stairs in my career because I am capable and competent in my abilities. Young children are filled with such a sense of wonder and discovery. The journey I take with my Preschoolers each day assures me that I have chosen the right profession. Their destination will be greatly influenced by their dreams and their education. I hope that I can help each child lay down a firm foundation which they can build upon.
- Sherry King, Florida

My CDA journey began in 1985, when I was a classroom teacher at Taylor County Head Start program. I was the first person to receive a CDA in my town, and 535^th person to receive a CDA in the nation. Even then, I knew that CDA was a precious God-given gift that would enable me to make a difference in the lives around me. I was chosen in 1986 to attend Advisor’s Training through Elmira College, where I was trained to be a CDA Advisor. I then began serving as advisor for my co-workers. In 1989, I became the first CDA trainer for the Taylor County School District Title I program, helping the first CDAs in the District. I later opened my own business called "Elizabeth Bines Training Center," and I began meeting the needs of teachers at the local child care, pre-k, and Head Start programs. I still continued as a classroom teacher at the Head Start. Today, I am no longer in the classroom, but I continue to train others, and serve as an advisor in my town of Perry, Florida. Since receiving my CDA in 1985, I now am a licensed State of Florida Advanced Director. I received my A.S. Degree in Early Childhood from North Florida Jr. College, B.S. Degree in Human Services Management from the University of Phoenix, and will receive my Masters Degree in Education and Teacher Leadership from University of Phoenix, on June 4, 2011. The CDA motivated me to make a difference in the lives of others and it made a profound difference in my own life. I am continuing to prepare teachers for excellence through CDA in Perry, Florida, in Taylor County. I once heard: “They said it couldn't be done, but we couldn't say so until we tried" — that’s what is happening with CDA. In Taylor County, we tried and we succeeded!
- Diann McClain, Florida