Council For Professional Recognition Says New Federal Support Means Even More CDA Credential-Holders Can Help Student Parents Succeed

November 15, 2023
For Immediate Release :
November 15, 2023
For More Information :

Usma Mohamed
news@cdacouncil.org


WASHINGTON, DC — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® Credential™, says the nation as a whole will benefit from new federal support for the sector.

The U.S. Department of Education has just announced 34 higher education institutions will receive Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grants to support or establish high-quality, campus-based child care programs to meet the needs of student parents with low incomes enrolled on their campuses.

For the first time, CCAMPIS applicants were encouraged to propose ways to improve the quality of the services they provide, including through higher wages for child care workers, which in return can significantly reduce turnover and are associated with better care and improved child outcomes.

The Education Department also announced more than $75 million in grant awards it made in three other grant programs with fiscal year 2023 funds to benefit underserved students at postsecondary institutions. These programs include:

  • Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Part A grant program;
  • Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) state grant program; and
  • Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP).

Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., the Council for Professional Recognition CEO, says, “The entire Council and all our CDA-holders stand ready to help colleges and universities effectively implement this important investment. We know many of the institutions already offer programs to help students earn a CDA. This is a winning situation because now even more of these graduates with CDAs can return to campus, earn a meaningful wage and support student parents as they work to advance their educations.”

Officials say more than one in five students are parents and 42% of all student parents attend community colleges. They add that high-quality child care provides benefits to children, their parents, and the economy at large.

Candidates for the CDA must successfully pass the national CDA exam that tests their knowledge of early childhood best practices based on the National CDA Competency Standards. In its 48-year history, the CDA has grown to become a recognized benchmark of excellence and the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education around the world. It’s a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in early childhood education and signifies the dedication and expertise of professionals in the classroom.


ABOUT THE COUNCIL FOR PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

The Council for Professional Recognition promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in the early childhood education of children ages birth to 5 years old. The Council recognizes and credentials professionals who work in all types of early care and education settings including Head Start, pre-k, infant-toddler, family childcare, and home visitor programs. As a nonprofit organization, the Council sets policies and procedures for assessment and credentialing. To date over 1 million Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials have been issued around the world. For more information, visit www.cdacouncil.org.

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