The Indiana CDA Community Programs provides tools, resources, and opportunities for Early Childhood Educators to obtain their CDA Credential.

Read Kristen’s Story below in her own words!

I was honored to be awarded an Indiana Self-Paced CDA Scholarship and TEACH Early Childhood Indiana CDA Assessment Scholarship that was sponsored by Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children in August 2024. Through this scholarship program, I have been awarded the Child Development Associate Credential.

Throughout the Self-Paced CDA/Quorum courses, I have learned much. My intentionality of how I teach and view aspects of teaching have changed and improved. Every activity, manipulative, and item has a reason to be in my classroom. I better understand the intention of each. I am able to share my acquired knowledge with other teachers.

Knowledge I have obtained has allowed my classroom to function and benefit students to a higher degree. Simple changes, like adding more mirrors that are now used daily by students. Sensory elements added to literacy and math have brought students to those centers. Thoughtfulness from a course led to adding an indoor stationary bike through the winter for students to use large motor muscles safely.

This scholarship has granted me access to further my education without debt, at my own pace, and with support from INAEYC’s CDA Navigators. I was able to continue working and improving at my Pre-K teaching position without the hindrance of time away from students or home.

Scholarships continue to be needed to bring highly qualified teachers into early childhood education. Pre-K, preschool, home learning is where the educational adventure begins. Children deserve to have those persons educated, dedicated, and highly qualified.