Early educators earn credential through Childcare Resources fast-track program

The graduates of the Spring 2019 semester of Childcare Resources’ Credentialing Program for Early Educators

Fourteen local early childhood educators recently celebrated their graduation from Childcare Resources’ Credentialing Program for Early Educators, each having earned a Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) in one semester.

“It is truly a sacrifice when you spend your entire Saturdays and two more days a week,” said Natalie Sanders, Director of Head Start, during the commencement address. ”But that’s a sacrifice that you make so that you have a better life, and you can provide for children the very best care and the very best education.”

Susan Donovan, Childcare Resources Board of Directors President, Natalie Sanders, Director of Head Start, and Sara Whitacre, Indian River State College Assistant Professor of Industrial Education

The Childcare Resources Credentialing Program for Early Educators, originally funded through a grant awarded by Impact 100, has now graduated four groups of educators over the past two years, totaling fifty-four educators from more than twenty local childcare centers. Credentialing Program graduates have explored topics like early childhood curriculum and creative expression that enable them to be effective early childhood educators.

“You could be working with doctors who are going to come up with a cure for dementia, Alzheimer’s, cancer,” said Ms. Sanders, emphasizing the importance of early education. “You have greatness among you.” She went on to note that, as early childhood educators, “We are shaping the future.” Ms. Sanders was recognized during the ceremony for her thirty-seven years of service and commitment to early childhood education in the community.

Peggy Martin, Childcare Resources Program Committee member, Stephanie Harmody, Indian River State College Adjunct Instructor of Statewide Child Care Training, and Sara Whitacre, Indian River State College Director Child Development Center and Assistant Professor

Beginning in the fall of 2019, a second phase of credentialing will be available alongside the FCCPC program. In cooperation with Indian River State College, the new program will allow early educators who already have the FCCPC to earn a Director credential in one semester through examining subjects specific to center administration such as licensing requirements, budgeting, staffing, and management.

"We are thrilled to be able to expand our Credentialing Program for Early Educators to offer the Director credential,” said Dr. Elizabeth Swann, Credentialing Program Facilitator. “Enrollment has just opened, and we are already seeing a strong interest in the new offering." Registration for future semesters of both the FCCPC Credentialing Program and the Director Credentialing Program is currently open at ChildcareResourcesIR.org.