Celebrating the CDA Credential

About nine months ago, more than 90 early childhood education professionals began a journey to receive their CDA credentials by participating in a cohort facilitated by DIEEC professional development coordinators. The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential represents a pathway to learning best practices for early childhood educators. More than 40 completed their portfolios after participating … Read more

Did you know that the average child spends up to 44 hours a week on a screen and less than ten minutes a day playing outdoors?! DIEEC’s Learning Environments team and the University of Delaware Lab School are partnering with early childhood programs through the “Let’s Go Outside” initiative. Together, they are determined to reverse … Read more

Lil’ Red Hen Nursery and Pre-School in Delmar, Del., has the special distinction of serving both Maryland and Delaware. Located on the border of these states, this center has created one big community through its work in providing quality care to generations of these neighboring areas. This community is what motivates Anne Atkinson, owner/administrator, to … Read more

DIEEC, in partnership with the University of Delaware Lab School hosted “The Heart of Early Childhood Education: Teaching Social and Emotional Resilience in Young Children” panel discussion on April 6, 2022. Early childhood advocates came together to discuss and reflect on the critical need for young children to develop the skills to be resilient. Nefertiti … Read more

Brenda Kibler, Bayhealth Child Care & Early Learning Center director, and Laurie DeZao, curriculum coordinator, are creating a movement. “My mission is for child care providers to be considered as professional as any teacher,” said Brenda. “I just need the world to know that we are critical and not a babysitter.” Their roadmap for this … Read more

What comes to mind when you think of the word “legacy?” “The impact on others that you leave behind.” Can you give an example of the impact of your work as it relates to legacy? “We are now seeing children of the children that we had in teen outreach programs years ago, and the fact … Read more

What comes to mind when you think of the word “legacy?” “When I think about legacy, the first thing that comes to mind is what I leave behind for our children. Unfortunately, the world is marked by social, cultural, and economic disparities. But what if we teach our children at an early age faith and … Read more

What comes to mind when you think of the word “legacy?” “Impact and making a positive difference comes to mind when I think of the word legacy.” Can you give an example of the impact of your work as it relates to legacy? Having a positive influence on generations of families who enroll their children … Read more

Pauline Kugmeh has worked in the early childhood field for more than 15 years. Currently, she owns and operates M&M Daycare, a family child care program in New Castle, Del. Like many early childhood educators, she is motivated because of her passion for caring for and educating young children. Recently, Pauline wanted to learn more … Read more