Rachel Nichols has spent two years working as an assistant teacher at the Head Start center her children once attended.

Rachel, a Hopkins-Locke staff member, is among the latest group of LCCAA Head Start staff members to earn the Child Development Associate. She said found the portfolio to be the most challenging part of the process.

“The most rewarding part was feeling accomplished and applying everything that I have learned into the classroom,” she said.

The CDA is widely recognized as the foundational credential for the early childhood education profession. After completing 120 hours of training and 480 hours of experience, an exam, portfolio and classroom visit are also required.

“The things I have learned have helped in the classroom with management, helping develop the classroom family and it’s given me more confidence in my abilities,” she said.