July 31, 2024

CDA credential earns early childcare professionals college credits

Corinne Tressler of Greenwood earned her CDA in March with the support of the ECIC.

Early childhood professionals who earn a Child Development Associate credential now also can receive 12 credits at Delaware institutes of higher education under a new agreement with the state.

The Delaware Department of Education funds the Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC), which offers direct support to help early childhood professionals work toward their CDAs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. The ECIC, housed at Delaware State University, has partnered with Delaware colleges and universities who offer early childhood education programs to establish credit for prior learning and/or prior learning assessments for early childhood education professionals who have earned the Child Development Associate® (CDA), Credential™. The CDA® is a national credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C.

Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College, and Wilmington University have signed agreements to award 12 credits for current and incoming students who are CDAs. This means that any early childhood professional who holds a CDA will be awarded four, three-credit program specific courses on their college/university transcripts. These credits will allow early childhood professionals to graduate with their degree in early childhood education at an accelerated rate and place more credentialed and degreed professionals in the early childhood industry.

“This is a significant moment of change in the story of our early childhood professionals,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said. “We are grateful that our partner college and universities are acknowledging the value of the intensive instruction, collaborative cohort discussion, and demonstration of skills required of our professionals obtaining their CDAs. The course of study allows for practical application of what individuals are learning while they are employed. With this, early childhood professionals now have more options for their career advancement than ever before.”

This aligns with the state’s policy framework, released last year, to give postsecondary credit to students for prior learning.

Video showcases importance of drug, alcohol education in schools

New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District has released a new video this month showcasing the importance of drug and alcohol education in Delaware schools. NCCVT Pathways to Wellness shares perspectives from those who have been directly impacted by drug and alcohol abuse as well as teachers, school staff - including medical and mental health professionals - and students. This creative approach to drug and alcohol awareness and prevention education builds engagement and highlights why drug and alcohol abuse prevention is so important to all members of school communities. 

2024 Delaware Teacher of the Year Cory Hafer attended Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala. earlier this month. (See more pics here, here, here, and here.)

Delaware Teacher of the Cory Hafer (2024) joined teacher of the year representatives from around the country at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama earlier this month.

Hafer, an engineering teacher at Appoquinimink School District's Middletown High School, represented Delaware this year as part of the 2024 celebration.

On his first night, Hafer attended the Teacher of the Year Parade of States event, which asks all attendees to dress as something that represents their home state. Hafer paid homage to Delaware beaches in swim trunks and sun glasses, and sported a Delaware #1 t-shirt highlighting Delaware as the First State!

The 2025 Delaware Teacher of the Year will be named this October. 

Selected from among the almost 10,000 public school teachers in the state, Delaware Teacher of the Year candidates are nominated by their districts or the Delaware Charter School Network because of their ability to inspire students with a love of learning, demonstration of professional traits and devotion to teaching. Already leaders among the colleagues in their buildings, each assumes a role representing educators in their districts or the charter network.

Prison education students earn high school diplomas

Eight students (2 not pictured) at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center collectively recorded a 3.4 GPA as they graduate from the James H. Groves High School this month.

Eighteen students (5 pictured) from the Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown - ranging in age from 22 to 44 - obtained their James H. Groves high school diplomas this month.

Earlier this month, students incarcerated at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center and the Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown graduated from the James H. Groves High School. Each student completed many months of coursework and achieved all the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) requirements for high school graduation in order to receive their high school diplomas.

These individuals earned diplomas thanks to their hard work and commitment, and through the strong partnership between the Delaware Department of Correction and DDOE.

Congratulations to these high school graduates who have proven that it is always a good idea to continue your education and build new skills. Delaware is proud of each student’s dedication and perseverance, and wishes them continued success as they pursue their goals and move toward a brighter future.

Delaware students win big at national career, tech competitions

Hundreds of Delaware students won awards this summer at national career and technical student organization (CTSO) competitions across the country.

CTSOs promote career excellence, leadership, and citizenship for students involved in Delaware career and technical education (CTE) programs, such as those offered through Delaware Pathways. The Delaware Department of Education requires CTSOs be integrated into all high-quality CTE programs.

Delaware Department of Education I education.delaware.gov