English PASO has 10 participants and Spanish has 19 participants utilizing our virtual classroom platform. Over half of these participants will be applying for a their Child Development Associates (CDA) credential after classes are completed. The CDA is based on a core set of competency standards, and is a stepping stone for early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children. The CDA is a great first step for someone who works in early childhood as it demonstrates your knowledge, skills and abilities when working with young children. Given the child care shortage in the county, state and nation, this is a huge accomplishment in the early childhood field. Participants have been so grateful for the continuation of classes. During each class, everyone tunes in with a smile ready to learn and excited to spend time connecting with people.
Participants are able to be connected for their “home” visits virtually. During this time, the UWWC Promises for Children team checks with them on any needs they have physically, mentally or emotionally. In the beginning, many participants were hesitant to step out of their comfort zone and experiment with unfamiliar technology to attend classes virtually. Now after a few classes, participants are feeling much more comfortable in their learned technology skills. Some are even signing up to attend other virtual classes being offered in the field.
Since its inception, PASO has graduated over 160 FFN (Family, Friends & Neighbors) child care providers, all of whom took many different pathways to success whether it was obtaining their CDA to become lead teacher certified and working in a center, continuing to provide FFN care from their home, enrolling in college courses to obtain their teacher’s certificate or regularly attending professional development trainings provided by UWWC Promises for Children.
“The participants have grown close to one another and love being able to be support systems for one another, especially during times like these when the phrase “It takes a village” shines so true,” said Tessa Erickson assistant director of quality improvement for UWWC Promises for Children.
