Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Brzeski Earns Credentials

Kay Brzeski of Prescott, an employee of Prescott Head Start was awarded Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in recognition of outstanding work with young children. The credential was awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C., which represents the early childhood profession.

CDA is the only major national effort to improve childcare by evaluating and recognizing the skills of individuals providing care. The first credential was awarded 20 years ago, and now 46 states plus the District of Columbia include CDA in their childcare licensing regulations.

Parents who use childcare are especially concerned today about their children's welfare. With this in mind, as part of the CDA assessment process, every candidate for the CDA credential is observed working with young children by an early childhood professional. In addition, the candidates must demonstrate the ability to work with families to develop children's physical and intellectual capabilities in a safe and healthy learning environment.

The CDA credential is having a positive effect on the quality of child care. Its impact is evident in center-based care as well as family child care, the most common form of care for children under five years old.

Childcare staff and parents wanting information on CDA should write the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition at 1341 G Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005-3105. Or call (202) 265-9090 or 1 (800) 424-4310.