An Opportunity to Grow: YWCA's Workforce Development Program
YWCA Minneapolis' Teacher Workforce Development Program is designed to help people earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, the best first step for Early Childhood Education teachers. In the blog below, participant Jayleen Wood shares special highlights of her time in the program.
I heard about the YWCA Workforce Development Program from my sister-in-law. She attended and completed her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a year prior. I decided to join this program because I wanted better pay and more education in early child care.
Opportunities to Grow and Develop Skills
This program at YWCA has given me many opportunities to grow and develop new skills. It's given me helpful advice from my teachers and my classmates. I felt comfortable sharing my stories and experiences as an early childhood educator. Everyone in the program was always encouraging and positive which helped me do better in the program and at work. It was emphasized that the work we do now is important and valuable.
"My teachers gave us helpful resources that informed us about trauma, our sense of self and how we view others."
Exposed to Different Perspectives and Views
The Workforce Development Program reminded me that, in this field, there is always room for growth and improvement. I was exposed to many different perspectives and viewpoints in class. This is important to me. In Early Childhood Education, teachers are exposed to families that come from different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. My teachers gave us helpful resources that informed us about trauma, our sense of self and how we view others.
A Hope to Be A Great Educator
I currently work at New Horizon Academy as an infant aid. I hope that in the future I will continue my journey in Early Childhood Education. I hope that I will be a great educator who is always willing to grow and learn more. Someday I would like to write a children's book and I think continuing to work in this field will help me gain more experience to determine what that story will be.Learn More about YWCA's Workforce Development Program