Partnering for early childhood workforce development

Earlier this month, three of our team members headed down to Orlando, Florida for the Early Educators Leadership Conference. For four days, early childhood professionals gathered to explore how we can sustainably build the early educator workforce, and empower those going into the field. 

The organization hosting the conference, The Council for Professional Recognition, has a long history supporting and elevating the work of early childhood educators. The Council administers the nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which can be a valuable first step in someone’s early childhood career ladder, generally coming before an associate or bachelor’s degree. One existing pipeline of new CDA trainees often comes from career/technical high school programs. 

Those studying for their CDA learn about all aspects of a young child’s development – social, emotional, physical, and intellectual — by completing 120 hours of coursework and training. They then put that knowledge into practice in the classroom over nearly 500 hours. For Head Start programs and many other licensed child care centers, the CDA is a minimum requirement for all staff. 

There are many programs and trainings for those looking to earn or renew their CDA, including ParentCorps 2-day or 4-day professional development. Our team members were eager to spread the word to this national audience of childcare professionals, teacher trainers, preschool and Head Start leaders, and professional development specialists. 

Our team left the conference feeling energized, and excited to follow up on all the new potential opportunities. “It felt very different from conferences I've been at in the past,” said Paige Moriarty, ParentCorps Business Development Manager for School District Partnerships. “We have a very relationship-based strategy in everything we do at ParentCorps and that includes our sales and our growth strategy. The best way to build relationships is being face-to-face with people.”

We’re looking forward to continuing to connect with early childhood educators across the country — to co-constructing a future where early educators’ work and expertise is valued and celebrated. 

Clarissa Donnelly-DeRoven is the ParentCorps Communications Specialist.