Jean Ballard, Pre-K teacher at the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center, has been awarded a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in recognition of outstanding work with young children.
The credential was awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C., which represents the early childhood profession. CDA is the only major national effort to improve child care by evaluating and recognizing the skills of individuals providing care.
Participants in the CDA program must successfully complete three college classes, develop a portfolio on early learning standards, receive positive parent feedback through surveys, be observed in the classroom by a CDA advisor and complete a review of the above, along with a verbal test.
Miss Jean, as she is known to her class, has been with the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center for three years. She plans to continue her education through Northampton Community College where she is enrolled in their Early Childhood Associate degree program beginning September 2009. She lives in Warren with her son, Zack, and mother, Delores.