Myatta Earned Her CDA to Grow from a Volunteer to a Two-Time Certified Early Educator
“Hello! My name is Myatta Brandon-Esquivel. When I first started my journey to earn my CDA, I had no idea how much I would grow and learn as a professional. I received my first CDA in 2020 in preschool, and I truly loved working with young children and having the chance to help shape their minds. Later, I decided I wanted to be an all-around educator, and now that I have received my Infant and Toddler CDA, I feel so accomplished! There is nothing like the joy of watching an infant take their first steps or seeing a toddler learn to use the potty. I’m grateful to have a career I love—it’s so much more than just a job. I found myself becoming more patient, observant, and intentional in my interactions with children.
Working with young minds teaches you to see the world differently – to appreciate curiosity, celebrate small victories, and recognize the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence alongside cognitive skills. Through my education and practical experience, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of how critical the early years are in shaping a child’s future, and this awareness has given my work profound meaning and purpose.
My days are filled with morning chases and countless hugs. I always tell people that childcare can’t just be a job; it must be a passion. It’s amazing to think that all of this started with me volunteering at my local Head Start program.
Today, as an Infant and Toddler Teacher at The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Child Development Center, I proudly hold two CDA credentials and feel a sense of accomplishment that goes beyond the certificates themselves. My journey from volunteer to twice-certified educator represents not just professional advancement but personal transformation. For anyone considering this path, know that a CDA is more than a credential – it’s an invitation to grow alongside the children you serve, continually learning from them as they learn from you.” – Myatta Brandon-Esquivel, Teacher at The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Child Development Center