ECIC Delaware

A lasting legacy now has a permanent home at Delaware State University.

Yesterday, Delaware State University officially dedicated the Senator Thomas R. Carper Early Childhood Innovation Center, honoring Senator Thomas R. Carper's nearly five decades of public service and his enduring commitment to education, workforce development, and opportunity for Delaware families.

The historic ceremony featured remarks from Governor Matt Meyer, U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, Dr. Tony Allen, President of Delaware State University, Leroy Tice, Chairman of the Delaware State University Board of Trustees, and The Honorable Thomas R. Carper, who reflected on a lifetime of service and the importance of investing in future generations.

The naming of the Center recognizes Senator Carper's lasting impact on Delaware and his support for initiatives that strengthen children, families, educators, and communities across the state.

Read the full story at: https://vist.ly/57yy9

📸 View additional event photos: https://vist.ly/57yyd

Our ECIC home will soon carry a name that honors service, leadership, and a lasting commitment to Delaware.

The Early Childhood Innovation Center invites our scholars, partners, educators, families, and community members to a special Building Naming Ceremony honoring Senator Tom Carper.

Join us on Monday, June 15, at 10:30 a.m. as we gather with Delaware State University to recognize Senator Carper’s service and contributions, and celebrate the formal naming of the Senator Thomas R. Carper Early Childhood Innovation Center.

For the ECIC, this is more than a ceremony. It is a moment to honor the people, purpose, and shared vision behind an innovative center dedicated to strengthening Delaware’s early childhood education workforce.

📅 Monday, June 15
🕥 10:30 a.m.
📍 Delaware State University
1200 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901

We invite you to celebrate this meaningful milestone with us.

📣Important CDA® Scholarship Application Update

The Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) is temporarily closing the Child Development Associate (CDA®) Scholarship application as part of upcoming enhancements to the CDA® Program and scholarship application process.

This update applies to the CDA® Comprehensive Cohort, CDA® Voucher Only, and CDA® Renewal pathways.

The revised CDA® Scholarship application will reopen in July 2026.

Current applications submitted through the Delaware ECE Portal will not transfer to the updated process, and a new application will be required once the application period reopens.

We appreciate your patience as the ECIC works to strengthen the application process and better support Delaware’s early childhood education workforce.

For questions, contact the ECIC at 302-857-7400 or email us at [email protected].

🔵 ACTION NEEDED: iPD Online System Is Changing

Before iPD becomes Early Education Pathways (EEP), make sure your progress is protected.

If you use the FREE iPD system through the Office of Head Start, please complete all unfinished courses by Monday, June 8, 2026, at midnight and save PDF copies of your iPD transcript and/or course certificates.

These records may be needed for future verification.

The ECIC is helping share this update with Delaware early care and education programs on behalf of the Delaware Department of Education.

For questions related to this transition, contact [email protected]

💙 Congratulations to Our CDA® Scholar 💙

We are proud to celebrate Abimbola Fabiyi for achieving her Infant Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA®) credential through the support of the Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC).

Earning the CDA® is an important milestone in the early childhood profession. It recognizes educators who are committed to strengthening their knowledge, improving classroom practice, and providing high quality care and learning experiences for young children.

Abimbola’s accomplishment reflects dedication, persistence, and a deep commitment to the children and families she serves. Achievements like this continue to strengthen Delaware’s early childhood workforce.

📣 Delaware early childhood educators, if you have been thinking about earning your CDA®, this is your sign. The ECIC scholarships provide coaching, guidance, and financial support so you do not have to take the journey alone.

Apply today at ecic.desu.edu.

“Even on the days I doubted myself, I had people who believed in me.”

That belief made all the difference for Jade Aleah Warrington.

Working with preschoolers at The Lighthouse on the Shore in Lewes, Delaware, Jade was already bringing magic to her classroom every day. But when she was ready to take her next professional step, it was intentional structure, steady guidance, and a community of support that helped her turn doubt into distinction and earn her Child Development Associate (CDA®) credential.

When we invest in our early childhood educators, they do more than just persist they advance, strengthening their practice, their classrooms, and our entire community.

Read Jade's full, inspiring story here: 🔗https://vist.ly/55i4a