Business & Tech
Leaps and Bounds & United Way Earn Prestigious Recognition
Award recognizes expertise of both entities in preparing students for successful careers in early childhood education.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan and Leaps and Bounds Family Services, a United Way Early Learning Center (ELC), have been awarded the prestigious CDA (Child Development Associate) Gold Standard SM Award from the Council for Professional Recognition. The Council granted the award in recognition of the two entities’ expertise in providing exceptional CDA training toward preparing students for successful careers in early childhood education.
Criteria that must be met in earning the CDA Gold Standard includes successful demonstration of three of the Council’s industry-leading principles:
· Alignment with the CDA formal education coursework in eight subject areas;
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· Sound business policies and practices;
· Quality student services that meet their educational and professional needs.
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“The CDA is the next step in professional development for all childcare providers, and we are pleased to have received this special endorsement of our work,” says Denise Dorsz, executive director, Leaps and Bounds. This recognition from the Council underscores our efforts in ensuring the best professionals are available to families seeking the best childcare resources for their children.”
In addition to providing high-quality training, Gold Standard applicants must provide evidence of serving students with professional development, preparing them to successfully complete CDA training.
“By investing in agency partners like Leaps and Bounds to offer CDA training, we’re addressing a critical need for families by expanding access to qualified providers,” says Jeff Miles, senior director, Center for Early Childhood Excellence, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Our goal is to support families and caregivers so the children in their care are best positioned to succeed at the onset of their academic ark and beyond.”
Next year, Leaps and Bounds will offer a CDA certification program to six cohorts of 25 childcare providers and two cohorts of 25, for those wishing to renew their certification as required every three years.
“We believe the Council’s CDA Gold Standard award adds value and integrity to the early childhood profession by verifying connections between the Council’s proven teacher competencies and the quality of training resources available to CDA students,” says Valora Washington, chief executive officer, Council for Professional Recognition.
In addition to United Way funding, the CDA program at Leaps & Bound is also made possible with support from the Detroit Regional Workforce Fund, Michigan’s Great Start to Quality program, and United Way affinity group, Women United.
