Bernice Tirado finds joy in every classroom interaction.

The Hopkins-Locke Family Service Assistant is among the latest group of LCCAA Head Start staff to earn the Child Development Associate credential. She’s grateful to have completed the challenging process.

“I feel like time management was a big part of my challenges considering the amount of training hours we had to complete along with the professional portfolio we had to complete,” she said.

After passing the exam despite her nerves, Bernice knew the classroom observation would go well.

“The additional knowledge that I obtained will help me guide and support the children and their families with confidence,” she said, adding that the training will help her create developmentally appropriate, engaging activities.

“This allows me to establish a connection with the child in a classroom setting where the child feels safe and nurtured,” Bernice said. “Developing a positive relationship with the families is equally important.”

Bernice started at LCCAA in the Energy Services Department where she spent nine years helping clients apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Program as well as Winter and Summer Crisis.

She describes herself as a deeply family-oriented person of faith who loves to help others.

“Teaching preschoolers is a real joy of mine,” she said, “and watching them learn new things in a supportive environment where they can thrive is the biggest reward for me.”

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.