For several years, Lucy Miranda worked with long-term care residents at Anchor Lodge in Lorain. After COVID, she needed a change. Today, she tells children every day that they are beautiful, smart and loved.

Miss Lucy is the latest Head Start staff member to earn her Child Development Associate credential. She has worked at Hopkins-Locke as an early childhood service worker since changing careers.

“My Head Start family encouraged and guided me through the process of receiving my CDA,” she said. “The knowledge learned and tools help me in giving the children the guidance, love and support they need.”

The Child Development Associate is considered the foundational credential for the early childhood education profession. Miss Lucy is the latest of many LCCAA Head Start staff members to complete the process which includes several hours of coursework and a classroom observation.