Christine Joyce awarded childcare credential

Warwick — Christine Joyce of Warwick has been awarded a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in recognition of outstanding work with young children. The credential was awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington. D.C., which represents the early childhood education profession. Child Development Credentials is the only major national effort to improve early childhood education and care by evaluating and recognizing the skills of individuals providing care. The first credential was awarded over 30 years ago, and now 49 states plus the District of Columbia include this credential in their childcare licensing regulations. Parents who use early education and care are especially concerned today about their children’s welfare. With this in mind, as part of the assessment process, every candidate for the credential is observed working with young children or families by an early childhood professional. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the ability to work with families to develop children’s physical and intellectual capabilities in safe and healthy learning environments. The credential is having a positive effect on the quality of early childhood education and care. Its impact is evident in center-based care and home visitor programs, as well as family childcare, the most common form of care for children under 5 years old. Childcare staff and parents wanting information on Child Development Credential should write to the Council for Professional Recognition at 2460 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009-3575, or call the Council at (202) 265-9090 or (800) 424-4310.