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!

Working with children was not my plan when I moved here from the island of Grenada.

I started working at ISU Early Childhood Learning Center and I fell in love with the job. The thought of being able to help, mold and shape little minds and the joy that I found with working with those precious children brought so much joy to my heart and I knew exactly where I needed to be.

The Indiana Non-Formal Program has taught me a lot in helping them achieve development milestones and how to support, guide and provide the necessary care that’s needed. I’m more confident and knowledgeable in my work ability and the best advantage is that the children benefit from it.

The families also benefit from the knowledge I gained from the program. I know how to support and provide additional help when needed. Of all families, I wanted my bilingual parents to feel supported, and rest assured that their children are properly taken care of, so I’ve asked for their help in a language activity. The joy that I saw and the thank You’s when I asked for their help was the best, they were so grateful.

I want to learn more, I want to do more, earning the CDA Credential has changed my life and my whole outlook on early childhood education. As a result, my desire is to obtain a degree in this field. If all goes well, I will be starting classes at Ivy Tech in Fall of 2025. I’m grateful for the opportunity to obtain my CDA Credential with INAECY and that has lit a fire in me to learn more and be the best I can for the children in my care.