WASHINGTON, D.C. – Easter Seals Serving DC|MD|VA is partnering with the Council for Professional Recognition (the Council) to provide educational training opportunities that support with the Child Development Associate (CDA®) Credential standards. Educators working at the four Easter Seals Early Care and Education Centers in the DMV will receive the appropriate educational training that meets the 120 training hour requirements to eventually obtain a CDA.
The early childhood facilities at Easter Seals offer child care services for children with and without disabilities, from six weeks to six years of age. These programs provide services to children from every walk of life, and work to serve children from low- to moderate-income families.
“We believe that all families should have access to high quality early childhood education regardless of their socioeconomic status. The partnership with Easter Seals not only prepares educators to deliver the high quality practices set by the CDA to all families, it also teaches them about inclusive practices for children with special needs; a community Easter Seals serves,” said Valora Washington, chief executive officer, Council for Professional Recognition.
The partnership will provide the Council with EAS training coursework for Easter Seals educators that support the cross-walk with the CDA’s eight subject areas and 13 functional areas. In addition, Easter Seals will support the recruitment of CDA candidates, as well as CDA Professional Development Specialists to include bilingual language speakers within those communities.