YMCA of Metro Atlanta - Virtual CDA Training Course Proposal

Overview

Educational Access, Inc. (eai) is a non-profit organization that specializes in providing CDA training and professional development courses to child care professionals in center-based Preschool, Infant/Toddlers and Family-Child Care settings. It has a “stellar” reputation for providing “high quality” CDA and professional development training in the State of Georgia. Since its inception in 1991, this organization alone has provided CDA training to over 100 participants annually with a 98% successful submission rate of all participants who completes the course. eai CDA Training is recognized and accepted by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C. Its 120 hours of early childhood education training is approved by the State of Georgia.

Capacity Statement

eai has conducted CDA training and professional development workshops to the child care community for over 30 years. Its clientele include private, organizational-based, cooperate sponsored, Head Start, and Faith-based programs. eai has also worked with such funding agencies as Smart Start Georgia Scholarship and Incentives Program, The Act Grant, Quality Care for Children, Care Solutions, United Way, Easter Seals of North Georgia and other private foundations.

Collaborative Relationships

Over the years, eai has cultivated and worked in partnership with such agencies as:

 BCDI Atlanta-Affiliate

 The University of Georgia

 Spelman College

 Fort Valley State University

 Mercer University

 United Way

 Quality Care for Children

 Care Solutions (Scholarship and Incentive Programs and Act Grant)

 Easter Seals of North Georgia

 Head Start (Dekalb, Clayton County, YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Jasper County, McIntosh Trail, Tallapoosa County, Phoenix City, Randolph County, and LaGrange Community Action Agency)

 Private childcare programs (virtually) state-wide.

Purpose/Course Description

This state approved CDA training course is designed to assist child care providers in center based preschool, infant/toddler and family child care settings to obtain the nationally recognized CDA credential. Participants have the flexibility to complete coursework in both classroom and home settings.

The 3 months course is specially designed for the limited computer user. User-Friendly course modules (paper copies as needed) are used to guide participants through the 6 competency goals and the 13 functional areas. All assignments will be emailed to the CDA instructor(s) for

review and editing. Six bi-weekly Zoom training sessions with a “LIVE” instructor will be held to assist the participants in obtaining knowledge on how to work appropriately with young children and their families. Six bi-weekly Technical Support non-zoom sessions a with “LIVE” instructor are designed to assist course participants in making the connection between online module readings, assignments/projects and the CDA credentialing process. In additional, assistance with the development of the Professional Portfolio will be provided throughout the training course.

Objectives

 To help course participants understand the structure and process of obtaining the nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

 To provide up-to-date- information in all CDA modules and Zoom sessions reflecting the 6 competency goals and 13 functional areas outlined by the Council for Professional Recognition.

 To walk course participants step-by-step through the CDA credential process.

 To help course participants understand and use information gained in CDA course to enhance their knowledge/skills and the quality of services rendered to the children and families served daily.

 To help course participants prepare for the CDA assessment process (on-site observation and computer-based exam).

Scope of Training

Course Preparation:

- Meet Via Zoom with contracting agency representatives to custom design a CDA training course to meet their needs.

- Prepare course schedule base on agency’s request.

- Obtain Participant Roster from contracting agency.

- Email Registration Form to contracting agency - To be completed by participating teaching. All completed registration forms will be emailed back to Educational Access, Inc prior to beginning the CDA course

- Purchase Competency Standard Book (included in training cost).

- Assist with Professional Development Specialist (PDS) to conduct classroom observation.

Course Structure/Resources:

- Conduct 6 Zoom training sessions on Saturdays (depending on availability) from 9am- 12noon or evenings from 7:30pm - 10:30pm.

- Provide participants access to 15 CDA Modules/End-of Module Exams.

- Record all Zoom sessions for any need make-up sessions. Session recording are ONLY made available to students with agency administration written approval.

- Email Zoom link to participants prior to all Zoom sessions

- Provide on screen “closed caption” in Spanish and other languages for the limited English user.

- Order CDA Standards books after first session – need to know the setting of each participant prior to ordering materials.

- Conduct interactive learning sessions bases on the 6 competency goals and 13 functional areas.

- Assign tasks/activities for participants to complete at their work site to reinforce information discussed during each in-class session.

- Monitor all out-of-class assignment sessions to ensure participants meet all required deadlines.

- Review all assigned End-of Module Knowledge Assessment exams at each in-class session.

- Provide SAMPLE copies of Competency Statements, Nine Learning Experiences and a complete Professional Portfolio to assist participants in successfully completing all assignments.

- Assist with Professional Portfolio Development (Competency Statements and Resource Collections).

- Assist with the writing and editing of Competency Statements and other needed documents.

- Assist with the collecting of resources for professional Portfolio.

- Submit Zoom attendance sheets to assigned agency administrator at the end of each in-class session.

- Collect needed documents from course participants per contracting agency request.

- Assist contracting agency with the scheduling of the First Aid/CPR class (if appropriate).

- Provide a draft and discuss the Incentive Application (6th session).

- Provide the CDA course state approved certificate with trainer and training codes.

- Submit two course status reports (three weeks and six weeks) to the contracting agency.

Curriculum

Based on the 6 Competency Standards and 13 Functional Areas outlined by the Council for Professional Recognition.

- 15 Study Modules

- Online CDA Practice Exam Links

- Sample Portfolio Documents

Timeline

Course schedule will be developed by eai and contracting agency

- 6 Zoom sessions

- 6 Non-Zoom Technical Support Sessions

- “Live Instructor - 24/7 including holidays

Instructor

- State of Georgia approved CDA trainer will conduct all Zoom and Technical Support CDA training sessions. eai CDA trainer has successfully completed the Train-the Trainer course where they received valuable training techniques on working with the adult learner. This training must be documented to receive a Trainer’s Code needed to become a State Approved “CDA” Trainer (See Appendix A).

- Educational Access, Inc. CDA training meets all requirements and is recognized and accepted by the Council for Professional Recognition (See Appendix B).

- The CDA instructor has over 30 years of providing “high Quality” CDA training (See Appendix C).

Georgia Professional Development System (PDS)

- Assist course participants (if needed) in registering for the Professional Development Registry.

- Troubleshoot any PDR issues encountered by course participants.

CDA Assessment Process

- Assist course participants in completing and submitting all needed documents.

- Provide final review of the Professional Portfolio (6th class session).

- Provide online links to CDA Practice Exam Tutorials

- Zoom Guest Students - Guidance from students who recently passed the CDA exam

- Zoom Guest PDS - Guidance from PDS on how to prepare for the CDA Observation Visit.

Online CDA Assessment Applications

- Assist class participants in selecting Professional Development Specialists.

- Complete, and submit online CDA Assessment Applications to the Council for Professional Recognition.

- Monitor the Council for Professional Recognition’s activity on all submitted applications.

- Troubleshoot any needed areas with the Council for Professional Recognition on behalf of course participants.

CDA On-site Verification Visit

- Discuss the on-site CDA Verification Visit process with class participants.

- Discuss the Professional Development Specialists role and the CDA Verification Visit process with course participants.

- Review all documents needed with course participants for the on-site CDA Verification Visit.

CDA Examination

- Assist participant in scheduling their CDA Exam with PearsonVue.

- Email testing information to each participant with a follow- up phone call to ensure delivery.

- Monitor CDA Exam results from the Council for Professional Recognition.

- Inform participants of CDA exam results.

- Provide CDA Exam results to agency administrator in status report

Additional Supportive Services

- Contact course participants when not attending class.

- Conduct independent study course sessions for class participants facing unexpected hardships.

- Provide technical assistance (one-on-one tutoring, computer assistance, needed documents, etc.).

- Assist with any needed Appeal process with the Council for Professional Recognition.

Training Cost

The cost of the Virtual CDA Training Course is $1075.00 per participant. Cost includes:

1. CDA Competency Standard Book

2. 6 Zoom Training sessions

3. 6 Non- Zoom Tech Support Sessions

4. CDA Modules/End-of Module Exams access

5. Professional Portfolio Materials

6. Sample Documents

7. Resources/Handouts

8. Technical Assistance with all documents

9. CDA Practice Exam Tutorial Links

10. Final Professional Portfolio review

11. Professional Development Specialist assignment assistance

CDA Assessment Fee

The $425.00 CDA Assessment Fee is NOT included in the training cost. Educational Access, Inc. will provide the contracting agency with a list of course completers and an invoice for the CDA assessment fees to be paid to the Council for Professional Recognition.

Additional Services - Based on need at an additional “customized” cost

- CDA Completion Training

 Assist with Portfolio development

 Provide study materials to prepare for the CDA Exam

 Assist with identifying and obtaining qualified PDS to conduct on-site observation

 Discuss the onsite visit with participants

 Assist with completing and submitting the online CDA Assessment Application to the Council for Professional Recognition

 Monitor Assessment Application in the Council’s account

 Assist with scheduling the CDA Exam through Pearson Vue

Appendixes

- Appendix A – State Approved Training Documents

- Appendix B – CDA Trainer’s Profiles

- Appendix C – eai Business Profile

- Appendix D – Business Incorporation Document

- Appendix E - Liability Insurance Declaration Page

- Appendix F - W-9

Appendix A

State Approved CDA Training Documents

Appendix B

CDA Trainer’s Profile

LINDA ADAMS Chief Executive Officer

Educational Access, Inc.

PROFILE

Linda Adams served as an Associate Professor and Chair of the Early Childhood Education Department at Morris Brown College for fifteen (15) years. In addition, she served as an Adjunct Professor at Clark Atlanta University, Executive Director of the Morris Brown College Head Start Program, and Director of the Morris Brown College Pre-kindergarten Program. Presently, she is a retired Professor from the Tift College of Education at Mercer University and is the Chief Executive Officer of her own education consulting group, Educational Access, Inc.

Linda received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Albany State College in Albany, Georgia; a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Early Childhood Education with specialization in Child Development/Child Care Administration from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Her doctoral dissertation work focused on “Intergenerational Integration in the Early Learning Setting".

Linda has over twenty (30) years of experience teaching in higher education (early childhood). In addition, she has over sixteen (16) years of experience as an education consultant; fifteen years (15) in child care; three (3) years as the Education Coordinator/Assistant Director of the Georgia Baptist Child Care and Resources Center; thirty (30) years as a Child Development Associate (CDA) trainer; ten (10) years as a CDA Representative for the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition, five (5) years as an approved Accreditation Validator for NAEYC, 8 years as NAEYC accreditation TA consultant, 5 years as the Lead Professional Development Trainer for the Black Child Development Institute (BCDI) – Atlanta Affiliate, 4 years as an approved CDA trainer/consultant for the University of Georgia and Spelman College, and 10 years as a child care program evaluator.

She has also served as an advisory board member for Minnie Howell Child Development Center; a member of the Education Committee for Jasper County Head Start Program and a Curriculum Specialist for Bright Star Child Care Program in Locus Grove Georgia. In June of 2000 she was selected by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C. as a national trainer for the Council; In 2004 she received the Outstanding Citizen Award for the State of Georgia from Secretary of State, Cathy Cox for her charitable work in the Fulton/Dekalb communities; and in 2005 she received the “Trainer of the Year award” for the State of Georgia. Linda also served as the Education Advisor on Early Care and Education to Georgia State

Representative, Stan Watson for five years. In addition, she is the founder and sole sponsor of three specialty projects that supports individuals in crisis – “Guardian” and “Project Kindness” and “Angel” that supports pets in crisis”.

Dr. Adams continue to serve in several community capacities that advocates for the best interest of children, families and child care programs statewide. Linda has always been an advocate for quality education for young children. She believes that in order for children to learn they must be provided with quality teachers, a stimulating learning environment and caring adults (including the golden aged adults) who loves and respects them for the children that they are regardless of race, needs, status, or cultural background.

Personal

 Single

 No children

 Dog - Stonn

Overview

Appendix C

eai

Educational Access, Inc.

"SPECIALIZE IN QUALITY CHILD CARE CONSULTING AND TRAINING SERVICES"

Business Profile

Educational Access, Inc. (eai) is a non-profit organization that specializes in providing CDA training and professional development courses to child care professionals in center-based Preschool, Infant/Toddlers and Family-Child Care settings. It has a “stellar” reputation for providing “high quality” CDA and professional development training in the State of Georgia. Since its inception in 1991, this organization alone has provided CDA training to over 100 participants annually with a 98% successful submission rate of all participants who completes the course. eai CDA Training is recognized and accepted by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C. Its 120 hours of early childhood education training is approved by the State of Georgia.

Mission

Educational Access, Inc. primary mission is to provide “high quality” affordable and assessable CDA and professional development training to meet the needs of the child care community.

Goals

 provide customize training to meet the individual needs of child care providers and programs at a low cost

 provide training that augment the work environment of participants

 provide training that integrates both state and national standards in an effort to improve not only the knowledge base of the child care provider but also improve the total quality of the child care program

 provide technical assistance to assist child care programs in meeting state and national regulations/standards

Capacity Statement

eai has conducted CDA training and professional development workshops to the child care community for over 20 years. Its clientele include private, organizational-based, cooperate sponsored, Head Start, and Faith-based programs. eai has also worked with such funding agencies as Smart Start Georgia Scholarship and Incentives Program, The Act Grant, Quality Care for Children, Care Solutions, United Way, and other private foundations.

Collaborative Relationships

Over the years, eai has cultivated and worked in partnership with such agencies as:

 BCDI Atlanta-Affiliate

 The University of Georgia

 Spelman College

 Fort Valley State University

 Mercer University

 United Way

 Quality Care for Children

 Care Solutions (Scholarship and Incentive Programs and Act Grant)

 Easter Seals of North Georgia

 Head Start (Dekalb, Clayton County, YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Jasper County, McIntosh Trail, Tallapoosa County, Phoenix City, Randolph County, and LaGrange Community Action Agency)

 Private childcare programs in the metro-Atlanta and surrounding areas.

State Approved CDA Training Options

1 Virtual Training – designed for participant who wants a slower pace of instruction and an on-site instructor

 Tradition classroom setting

 Combination of lecture and interactive activities

 Review of 6 competency goals and 13 functional areas

 Review homework assignments

 Review Professional Portfolio development

 Curriculum content guided by the Council for professional Recognition

2 Independent Study – designed to incorporate both in-class instruction and independent work sessions.

 3 Virtual monitoring sessions and 6 independent work sessions

 Review of 6 competency goals and 13 functional areas

 Review homework assignments

 Review Professional Portfolio development

 Curriculum content guided by the Council for professional Recognition

3 Blended Hybrid CDA Training – designed for participant with very little time to spend in a traditional CDA class.

 6 virtual work sessions and 6 out-of-class work sessions to augment –inclass knowledge and the development of the Professional Resource File

 Bi weekly monitoring calls/emails

 An assigned CDA instructor

 Review of 6 competency goals and 13 functional areas

 Review homework assignments

 Review Professional Portfolio development

 Curriculum content guided by the Council for professional Recognition

4 Online Hybrid CDA Training – designed for participant who wants to work independently at his/her own pace with the guidance of an online CDA coach.

 Online modules to obtain the 120 CDA training hours

 Review of 6 competency goals and 13 functional areas

 Assigned CDA training coach

 Bi weekly monitoring calls/emails

 Online review of Professional Portfolio development

 Online resource tutorial links

 Curriculum content guided by the Council for professional Recognition

5. CDA Completion Training

 Assist with Portfolio development

 Provide study materials to prepare for the CDA Exam

 Assist with identifying and obtaining qualified PDS to conduct on-site observation

 Discuss the onsite visit with participants

 Assist with completing and submitting the online CDA Assessment Application to the Council for Professional Recognition

 Monitor Assessment Application in the Council’s account

 Assist with scheduling the CDA Exam through Pearson Vue

Consultants

All child care consultants are state approved trainers and/or trained/registered/licensed in their area of expertise. Each has at least three years of experience and is very familiar with state and/or national standards and regulations. eai consultant group include:

 State approved professional development trainers

 Family Child Care Consultants

 Technical Assistant - Child Care Consultants

 Online CDA Coaches

 Child Care Start-Up Consultants

 Business Plan Development Consultant

 Child Care Builder/Consultant/Real Estate Attorney/Licensed Building Inspector

 Child Care Website Designer

 Licensed Nutritionist

 CACFP Specialist

 Program Materials and Equipment Consultant

 Administrator/ Teacher Coaches

 Head Start Specialist

 Curriculum Specialist

Liability Insurance Declaration Page

Appendix

Form

eai

Educational Access, Inc.

“Providing quality services to the childcare industry”