Day: February 6, 2025

Life happens. Dreams get put on hold. But sometimes, you get a perfect opportunity to pick up where you left off. That’s exactly what’s happening with the return of the CDA® Renewal Amnesty Program, launched in celebration of the CDA’s 50th anniversary!

Did your credential expire? Here’s your fresh start. If your CDA® expired anytime after January 1, 2020, you can now make it active again through this special program running February 1 – July 31, 2025. Whether the pandemic shifted your priorities or life simply took you in a different direction, this is your chance to reconnect with your early childhood education career.

Quick Facts About the Program:

• Available through July 31, 2025
• Renewal fee: $125 online ($150 for paper applications)
• Training must be within the last three years
• Must meet current renewal requirements
• Download the CDA® Renewal Procedures Guide for complete details

Why Renew Now?

• The field needs you: There’s growing demand for CDA-credentialed educators
• Career opportunities: Many states are expanding requirements for CDA credentials
• Professional growth: Stay current with best practices in early childhood education

CCEI’s Got You Covered

We offer comprehensive CDA renewal training programs designed to meet your specific needs:

English Programs:

• Infant-Toddler Renewal Certificate
• Preschool Renewal Certificate
• Family Child Care Renewal Certificate

Programas en Español:

• Certificado de Renovación – Bebés y Toddlers
• Certificado de Renovación – Preescolares
• Certificado de Renovación – Cuidado Familiar

Ready to Take Action? Here’s Your Renewal Roadmap:

1. Visit the Council for Professional Recognition to:
   • Download and review the CDA® Renewal Procedures Guide
   • Understand all current renewal requirements
   • Access your YourCouncil account

1. Complete a self-audit of your renewal requirements:

1. • Check if your work experience is current (within the past year)
   • Verify if you need to complete the 45-hour training requirement
   • Review all other Council requirements

1. If you need training, choose your CCEI renewal program that matches your credential type – we offer comprehensive programs in English and Spanish
2. Submit your completed application and $125 fee to the Council by July 31st

⚠️ Pro Tip: Don’t wait to get started! Begin your training early to ensure you have plenty of time to complete all Council requirements by the deadline. Remember: the Council will not grant extensions.

Begin Your Renewal Journey →

Have you ever thought about how kids start to notice differences among each other at such a young age?

Research shows that children can show signs of racial bias by the time they hit preschool. That’s a bit startling, but here’s the silver lining: we have the power to guide these observations towards positive understanding and inclusivity from the get-go.

With Black History Month in full swing, it prompts a great question: Why limit the celebration of Black culture, history, and achievements to just one month? Diversity enriches our lives and classrooms all year round. It’s time we make culture and inclusion an everyday lesson, not just a monthly highlight. Ready to see how we can weave this into our daily routines with the kids? Let’s dive in!

Why D&I is a Must in Early Childhood Education Today

All over the United States, the debates and varying policies around diversity and anti-bias education are loud and clear: the shift from merely being aware of D&I to actively stepping up our game is overdue. Creating classroom environments where every child feels recognized and valued isn’t just a lofty ideal—it’s absolutely crucial.

Turning Principles into Practices: A Friendly Guide

I know, the journey from understanding the need for D&I to making it a key part of your teaching might feel daunting. But with some manageable and thoughtful steps, it’s totally doable. Let’s break it down:

• Start Simple: Kick things off by bringing in books and toys that showcase a wide array of cultures, including those that shine a light on Black history and contributions. This is your starting line, not the finish.
  • Actionable Step: Begin with an audit of your current classroom materials. Do they reflect a wide array of cultures and histories, especially those of Black Americans? If not, start by sourcing books like “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats or “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry. Don’t forget about toys and dolls that represent different races and ethnic backgrounds, ensuring that every child can see themselves in the play items.
  • Example: Host a monthly story time where each session is dedicated to storytelling from different cultures, starting with books that celebrate Black heroes and heroines.
• Make It an Everyday Thing: Look for daily teaching moments to introduce diverse perspectives. Art lessons, for instance, can be a celebration of artists from all walks of life.
  • Actionable Step: Integrate diverse perspectives into your curriculum by focusing on a “Culture of the Month.” Engage children with art projects inspired by that culture, explore its history, and if possible, invite community members to share their experiences and stories.
  • Example: During a month focused on African cultures, children could create their own versions of traditional African masks using recyclable materials while discussing the significance behind the designs in African societies.
• Get Digital: The online world is brimming with resources aimed at bolstering D&I in education. Tap into these to enrich your curriculum and foster connections with a wider community of educators.
  • Actionable Step: In addition to using digital resources for curriculum enhancement, consider creating a digital community board where educators and parents can share articles, lesson plans, and activities focused on D&I. Platforms like Padlet or Google Classroom can serve this purpose well.
  • Example: Use a shared digital platform to have a week-long virtual event showcasing children’s projects related to the diversity theme of the month, encouraging feedback and discussions among the school community.
• Team Up: Rally fellow educators, families, and community members around your D&I initiatives. There’s strength in numbers, and this collaborative spirit can really amp up your impact.
  • Actionable Step: Form a Diversity and Inclusion committee within your school or local community that includes educators, parents, and community leaders. This committee can oversee the integration of D&I principles, organize events, and ensure a continuous conversation around diversity and inclusion.
  • Example: Organize a cultural fair, inviting families to share aspects of their culture through food, games, music, and storytelling.
• Stay Curious and Keep Learning: View your D&I journey as a road of continuous growth, aiming for progress over perfection.
  • Actionable Step: Dedicate time each month to professional development focused on D&I. This could be attending webinars, participating in workshops, or even reading a book focused on the subject. Share these learning experiences with your colleagues to create a learning culture.
  • Example: Start a book club within your educational team focused on books about anti-bias education practices, such as “Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves” by Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards.
• Celebrate Every Win: Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Take time to celebrate these moments. Each one is a building block towards a more inclusive environment.
  • Actionable Step: Create a “D&I Wall of Fame” in your classroom where you can post pictures, artworks, and stories celebrating the steps taken towards inclusivity. This will serve as a visual representation of your progress and commitment.
  • Example: After completing the African culture month, display the children’s African masks and a photo slideshow of the cultural fair on the D&I Wall of Fame.

Supporting Each Other Through the Ups and Downs

Facing resistance or obstacles is part and parcel of integrating anti-bias education. If you’re meeting pushback, remember, you’re not in this alone. There’s a wealth of support and advice out there. For instance, the “Raising Up Anti-Bias Education in a Time of Pushback” webinar tackles the real challenges educators face today and offers strategies to keep moving forward.

ChildCare Education Institute Training: Here to Back You Up

At CCEI, we’re all in with educators committed to weaving D&I into their work. Our mission is all about this ongoing effort, offering courses like PROF108: Cultural Competence in Early Childhood Education and SOC103: Gender Bias and Stereotypes to help you break down walls and foster mutual understanding.  Get ready for more!!  We have a new course launching this month aimed at helping administrators cultivate cultural relevance into their centers: PROF115: Cultivating Intentional Program Culture.

In Conclusion

So, what’s next?

Embracing diversity and inclusion doesn’t just add another item to our teaching agenda. It’s about enriching every child’s learning experience and preparing them for a world that is beautifully diverse.

Here’s how we keep the momentum going:

• Make it a daily practice: Celebrating diversity doesn’t have to wait for special occasions. Incorporate stories, lessons, and examples of diverse cultures and individuals into your everyday teaching.
• Celebrate small victories: Every step you take towards making your classroom more inclusive is a win. Whether it’s introducing a book that highlights a different culture or having meaningful discussions with your students, acknowledge and celebrate these moments.
• Collaborate and share: Encountering challenges? You’re not alone. Discuss strategies with colleagues, join online forums, or participate in workshops. Sharing experiences and solutions can make the journey smoother.

In essence, every effort counts and contributes to a broader culture of inclusion. By actively engaging in diversity and inclusion practices, we’re not just teaching; we’re shaping a future where every child feels valued and understood. Are you ready to join in and make a lasting impact? Let’s make it happen together.

Let’s turn these insights into action and pave the way for a more inclusive tomorrow.

While one child might dive right into finger painting, another might hang back, unsure about getting their hands messy. This isn’t just about personality—it’s often about neurodiversity, and understanding it can transform how we approach hands-on learning in early childhood education.

Let’s Talk About Neurodiversity: What’s That All About?

Think of neurodiversity as celebrating the beautiful variety in how our brains work. It’s not about labeling children as “different” or “wrong”—it’s about recognizing that, just like we all look different on the outside, our brains can work differently too! This includes children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and sensory processing disorder (SPD), among others.

Why Hands-On Learning Needs a Fresh Look

Here’s the thing: while hands-on learning is fantastic for all children, some of our neurodiverse learners might experience these activities differently. But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean we need to skip these valuable experiences. Instead, let’s get creative with how we present them!

Turning Understanding into Action: Your Friendly Guide to Inclusive Hands-On Learning

Start Simple: Get to Know Your Students

• Take time to observe how each child responds to different sensory experiences
• Partner with families to understand their child’s unique needs
• Remember that even typically developing children can have “off” days where sensory input feels overwhelming

Make It Work for Everyone: The Power of Alternatives Ready for some practical magic? Here’s how to make hands-on learning accessible to all:

Create a “sensory alternatives” toolkit that includes:

• Paintbrushes for children who prefer not to touch finger paint directly
• Vanilla pudding (with food coloring!) as a paint alternative for those sensitive to paint smells
• Oatmeal as a sand table alternative for texture-sensitive explorers

Create Comfort Zones: Set up a “quiet corner” or “cozy spot” where children can:

• Take a break from overwhelming sensory input
• Find comfortable seating
• Use noise-cancelling headphones if needed
• Reset and return to activities when ready

Our goal isn’t to limit experiences but to expand them! Every child deserves to enjoy hands-on learning—we just need to be flexible in how we present it. When we adapt our activities to include everyone, we’re not just teaching—we’re building a classroom where every child can shine.

Want to dive deeper? Look for the CCEI course coming out this month: SPN108: Creating Inclusive Spaces for Neurodivergent Learners,  to learn more about creating an inclusive environment for all your learners.

Ever Wonder Why Kids Make the Best Scientists?

That natural curiosity they bring to everything they do? It turns out, this makes them perfect candidates for STEM learning (that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math for those keeping score!). And here’s something exciting: STEM isn’t just about preparing for future careers—it’s about creating opportunities for every child to explore, discover, and shine in their own unique way.

Why STEM? Let’s Break It Down Here’s a mind-blowing fact: While regular jobs are expected to grow by 7.5% by 2030, STEM jobs are racing ahead at 10.5%! Even better? STEM careers typically pay more than double the median wage of non-STEM jobs. But wait—there’s something even more important than these impressive numbers: STEM education opens doors for all children, regardless of their background, culture, or learning style.

Making STEM Accessible and Inclusive The beauty of early STEM education is that it naturally embraces diversity. Every child brings their own perspective, problem-solving approach, and cultural background to these activities. Let’s explore how everyday activities in your classroom are already building those crucial STEM skills while celebrating each child’s unique approach to learning.

Turn Your Classroom into a Discovery Zone: Here’s How!

Sand and Water Wonders: Set up exploration stations where every child, regardless of ability or learning style, can discover the magical properties of these materials. Some might pour, others might scoop, and some might just observe—all of these approaches are valuable!

Building Dreams with Blocks: Create an inclusive building center where children can experiment with construction in ways that feel comfortable to them. Remember, there’s no “right way” to build—every child’s creative approach adds value to the learning experience.

Growing Minds in the Garden: Plant a diverse garden that represents different cultures and communities. Use seeds from various parts of the world and incorporate stories about how different cultures use these plants.

Math Through Play: Introduce sorting and classifying activities using materials that reflect various cultures and traditions. Think beyond the standard materials—what about sorting traditional fabrics, foods, or cultural symbols?

Color Chemistry: Explore how colors mix while celebrating the different meanings colors hold in various cultures. This is a perfect opportunity to discuss how diversity makes our world more beautiful!

STEM learning isn’t just about preparing for future careers—it’s about nurturing curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity in ways that celebrate each child’s unique perspective. When we make STEM activities inclusive and culturally responsive, we’re not just teaching science and math—we’re showing children that everyone has a place in the world of discovery and innovation.

Ready to Take Action?

• Look around your classroom—how can you make STEM activities more inclusive?
• Consider how different cultural perspectives might enrich your STEM activities
• Remember that every child’s approach to exploration is valid and valuable

Together, we can create STEM experiences that not only build crucial skills but also celebrate the beautiful diversity in our classrooms. After all, isn’t that what learning is all about?

“Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.” – Ola Joseph

Think back to your first experience with a kaleidoscope—that magical moment when simple pieces of colored glass transformed into an extraordinary display of patterns and light. Each turn revealed something new, something unique, something that would never appear in quite the same way again. This simple yet remarkable tool offers us the perfect metaphor for understanding diversity in early childhood education.

In our classrooms, each child brings their own unique colors to our collective story. Like the ever-changing patterns in a kaleidoscope, our students bring diverse interests, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences that create a rich tapestry of learning opportunities. As ECE professionals, we have the privilege of witnessing this beautiful diversity every day, but with this privilege comes the responsibility to ensure every child’s pattern shines brightly.

Understanding DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) isn’t just about using new terminology—it’s about creating environments where every child’s unique pattern contributes to our classroom’s kaleidoscope. When children see themselves and their families reflected in their learning environment, from the books on our shelves to the materials in our centers, they begin to understand their place in our collective story. These materials serve as both mirrors reflecting their own experiences and windows into the diverse world around them.

Belonging, a crucial element of DEIB, creates the safe space where children can truly flourish. Just as a kaleidoscope needs its chamber to create its patterns, children need:

• An emotionally safe environment to learn and grow
• Strong, supportive relationships with their teachers
• A classroom community built on shared experiences and mutual respect

In this articles below, we’ll explore how to create learning environments that amplify every child’s potential, much like how a kaleidoscope’s mirrors multiply and enhance each colorful piece within. We’ll dive into:

• The power of hands-on learning and STEM education
• Supporting neurodiverse learners
• Building advocacy skills for an inclusive future

Together, we’ll discover how to create classrooms where, like in a kaleidoscope, every piece matters, every pattern has value, and every turn reveals new possibilities for learning and growth.