CDA York County: Empowering Early Childhood Educators

CDA York County is an educational program dedicated to providing a path for early childhood educators to attain the National Child Development Associates (CDA) Credential. Founded in September 1997, the program was established in response to the growing need for flexible child care opportunities that meet both financial and scheduling demands for teachers, as well as to elevate the quality of early childhood education programs in Southern Maine.

Mission and Commitment to Supporting Educators

CDA York County is strongly committed to offering supportive and enriching learning experiences for all students. The program focuses on hands-on learning and individual support, ensuring that each participant receives personalized guidance to meet their credentialing goals. Whether students are seasoned educators or new to the field of early childhood education, the program provides tailored resources and advice to help them succeed.

The program’s approach includes continuous support from both the Instructor and Field Advisor, who work closely with students to ensure they meet the requirements of their credential. Students are encouraged to apply developmentally appropriate practices that are meaningful to their individual teaching styles and needs. The program is suitable for teachers working with young children in various age groups, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. For those new to the field, the program also offers an internship in a high-quality child care center as a valuable learning experience.

Expanding Access to CDA Credentialing

Due to the high demand for the program, CDA York County expanded by offering a second class in Biddeford in 1999. This expansion allowed the program to serve even more educators across Southern Maine. Over the years, more than 100 students have completed the program, which has significantly impacted the lives of children, families, and educators in the region.

CDA York County’s program is designed to meet the diverse needs of educators by offering a flexible, hands-on learning approach that accommodates different learning styles and schedules. The program equips early childhood educators with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to enhance the quality of child care and make a lasting impact on the children they serve.

Meet the Team Behind CDA York County

Jane Legere, the Program Director and seminar instructor, is deeply committed to fostering the growth of early childhood educators. Drawing from her extensive background in child care and social work, Jane coordinates the CDA credentialing program, providing expert guidance to students. Her career includes roles as a Site Coordinator for a NAEYC-accredited child care program, a conference workshop presenter, a Council Representative, and a Field Advisor with the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C. She holds a degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Maine.

Susan Carroll, the Field Advisor, brings over ten years of experience as a teacher in Head Start classrooms. Susan’s expertise in developmentally appropriate practices ensures that students receive the support they need to succeed in their coursework. She also leads workshops on topics such as Process vs. Product, Power Ranger Addiction, and Storytelling. Susan holds an Associate Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Southern Maine, along with Early Childhood Education college credits from the University of Maine Farmington. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and holds her CDA Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition.

Elevating Early Childhood Education

CDA York County plays a vital role in elevating the quality of early childhood education in Southern Maine by providing educators with the tools and support needed to achieve their CDA credentials. With its flexible, hands-on learning approach, personalized guidance, and a team of experienced instructors, the program continues to positively impact the lives of educators, children, and families in the community.