Invisible Child: A Spotlight on Life in the Shadows
Dasani wakes up before dawn each day at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, New York. After slipping out from under the covers, she goes to the window. On a clear day, she can see all...
I started out in early childhood education in 1990 while in high school. After starting out as an afterschool teacher, I decided to continue in this profession at other childcare centers along the way. After being in this field for several years, when my job offered the CDA class, I joined in the group so I could become a professional teacher in this field. I became knowledgeable of different aspects of the whole child so I can meet their needs.
After receiving my CDA I was chosen to become a CDA advisor. I took the knowledge I learned to help other teachers become CDA Candidates as well in a quality care childcare center. All the Candidates I advised have passed their exam.
I look at the CDA as a rung on a ladder to climb to the top of my career. I was chosen to be a mentor to educators and won a prize for it. Also, I have received several accolades from administration, co-workers, and parents of how well I work with children and how I take the time to meet the children’s needs. I have now been working in early childhood education for 27 years and still advising Candidates. I have an Associate Degree in Teacher Education and a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Administration. It will not stop there… I am currently enrolled to become certified as a trainer to help new and veteran educators to advance in the early childhood education field as well. I feel my CDA helped me to become an advocate for early childhood education while climbing the ladder to success.
Recently Posted:
CDA® Advisory Committee Continues to Provide Guidance to the Council
The CDA Advisory Committee was created to provide insights, perspectives, and best practices to the CDA community and other early childhood professionals. Established during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the members’ first-hand experiences...
Council Alumni Network: A Place Where Connectivity Happens
Where can you connect with CDA® holders and the wide range of folks who serve them? Turn to the Council Alumni Network (CAN), an online community that brings together current and past CDA earners, CDA...
Catch Some Rays (and Professional Development Hours) this Summer!
Professional development is absolutely critical to your success, as well as the success of all the children in your care. Not to mention in most states, you’re required to complete a minimum number of training...
Reflecting, Regrouping and Reenergizing
This month marks my second year at the Council for Professional Recognition. When I first arrived at the Council, I was no stranger to the organization or its mission, as I had been involved with...
A Big Dream that Begins Small: Building Empathy in the Early Childhood Classroom
Schools are microcosms of the world beyond their walls. Factors like race, culture, class and gender set the stage for what takes place in our schools as learners from different groups interact. The conflicts that...
Helping Children Embrace Their Resiliency
There is no denying the academic and emotional impact of the pandemic on children. News websites and TV newscasts are full of stories about the unknown long-term effects of the past two years on kids....
CDA® Advisory Committee Learns About Professional Development Offerings
Finding informative and trusted early childhood educator resources online can be a challenge. That’s why the CDA® Advisory Committee met virtually to learn more about the nonprofit, The Source for Learning (SFL) and its ECE...
Navigating Your Career Path
Each year I update my professional bio and pause at the part where it says, “Rachel Robertson has worked in the field for over X years”. Not because I can’t believe it or can’t remember,...