Armed with her CDA Credential and more than 20 years of experience in the early childhood education field, Sherri Smith-Washington, of Katy, Texas, says she feels prepared to take on the daily challenges of working child care center. 

Sherri initially earned her CDA in 2000 and after nine years of working as a CDA teacher in various child care facilities, she decided to take time off and run an at-home daycare.    

 

"When I started work in a center again, my credential had expired," she explains. 

"I get the Council's newsletters and I read about the Renewal Amnesty program. I thought, 'Yes, this is my opportunity!' and I took advantage of the program."

 

 Sherri said she applied for renewal online and was excited about simple the process was. 

 

"The first time I applied for renewal, I did it over the phone. I faxed in my information and it was a long process," she said. "Doing it online was convenient and easy and I really enjoyed it"