Erika Earned Her CDA to Back Her Long Career in Early Childhood Education
“My name is Erika Smith, I am 40 years old and currently residing in Magnolia Arkansas. I have two children who are my world and being their mother is my highest calling on this earth. I currently attend the University of Arizona Global Campus where I will graduate in a little under a year with an Associates in Early Childhood Education. My mother started a daycare back in the early 2000s and this is when my love for children started. I would leave high school and go straight there to help her everyday. It was a great joy to learn the ins and outs of children and their families.
While working for FACT Inc, Magnolia Early Head Start, I was already in pursuit of my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential when I started. I knew I wanted those credentials behind my name because that meant that I would have all the proper knowledge to work with children. I have been in the Early Childcare field since I was 17 so I already had great experience. However, receiving my CDA would give me those certified credentials to show that I have put in hours of learning all there is to know.
My experience with Training Innovations was exceptional. Dr Gregory was there to answer questions that I had no matter the day or time. She gave great advice when needed and support whenever I needed it as well. Her feedback helped me become more organized inside the classroom and made transitions easier going from one activity to the next.
As an Early Childhood Educator, some of the most rewarding aspects of my job is building relationships with not just the children, but their families. Seeing that I made an impact in their lives brings me great joy. I love children and I love what I do.
One challenge that I faced recently was experiencing a little teacher burnout. In one of my classes that I am taking, the professor gave us videos to watch on how to manage classroom stress. Implementing what I learned through those videos as well as reaching out to other teachers and upper management helped me become more focused.
Having my CDA has been a plus in furthering my career goals. I was able to knock out one class towards my AA degree since I am credentialed already. The things that I learned while taking my CDA classes carried over to my college classes and I was already well prepared to pass those classes. In the future I hope that when my background is looked at that they will see I worked hard to obtain everything that I have worked for.
To future staff or anyone in general who are looking to take training with Training Innovations, I would tell them to go for it. Dr Gregory is very professional and amazing at what she does. Prior to me contacting her I could not find anyone to come out and monitor me. I reached out to her and she responded quickly and in a few weeks I was done.
I am very thankful for Fact Inc and all of their continued support in my education journey. I love my Magnolia EHS family and my babies that I get to love everyday. I am truly blessed and God has been so good to me so I have Him to thank for it all.” – Erika Smith, Fact Inc.