Starting Early

🎓✨ Celebrating Excellence in Early Childhood Education! ✨🎓

Starting Early is proud to celebrate our incredible CDA Graduating Class! This group of dedicated professionals has completed the rigorous Child Development Associate (CDA) credential process — demonstrating their knowledge, skill, commitment, and heart for young children.

Earning a CDA is more than completing coursework. It requires:
✔️ Demonstrating competency across multiple functional areas
✔️ Building a professional portfolio
✔️ Completing family questionnaires
✔️ Participating in classroom observations
✔️ Successfully completing a verification visit and exam

This achievement represents growth, perseverance, and a deep commitment to quality early childhood education.

We were especially honored to hear from Rhonda Rose, who served as an outstanding participant speaker. Rhonda beautifully reflected on the journey, the challenges, and the transformation that comes with stepping fully into your professional identity. Her words reminded us that early childhood educators are leaders shaping the foundation of lifelong learning.

A heartfelt thank you to T’Kayla Callahan, our inspiring guest speaker for the evening. Her message encouraged our graduates to continue raising the standard, advocating for children, and recognizing the powerful impact they make every single day.

The completion of the CDA does more than elevate individual educators — it strengthens and professionalizes the entire early childhood field. When teachers pursue their CDA, they:
🌱 Increase their knowledge of child development
🌱 Strengthen family partnerships
🌱 Improve classroom quality
🌱 Model professionalism and leadership
🌱 Contribute to higher standards across programs

Professional credentials matter. They communicate to families, communities, and policymakers that early childhood education is not babysitting — it is a skilled, research-based profession that requires training, reflection, and dedication.

To our graduates: your work matters. Your growth matters. Your commitment to children matters.

We are so proud of you and excited to see the continued impact you will make in the lives of young learners.

Congratulations, Starting Early CDA Class! 🎉

⏳ Still working on your CDA… and feeling stuck?
If it’s been over a year since you started your Child Development Associate (CDA) journey and you’re unsure what to do next — you are NOT alone, and it’s NOT too late! 💛
Join us for a supportive, judgment-free cohort where we’ll help you get back on track, answer your questions, and guide you step-by-step toward finishing what you started. You’ve come too far to stop now!
✨ Get clarity
✨ Get encouragement
✨ Get it DONE
Come out and let us help you cross the finish line. Your future classrooms are waiting! 🍎
📅 Don’t wait — take the next step today!

Planting Seeds: Early Care & Education Reimagined Summit

Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 8:00 AM – Noon
📍 Francis Institute, Metropolitan Community College (3201 SW Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64111)

Are you a retiree, second-career seeker, or civic-minded community member looking for meaningful ways to make an impact?
Join us for a morning of connection, inspiration, and possibility as we explore new pathways into early care and education (ECE) — a field where your wisdom and lived experience can help shape the next generation.

✅ Enjoy breakfast and door prizes
✅ Meet ECE professionals
✅ Ask questions and learn how to get started

Together, we’re nurturing community-driven solutions and planting the seeds for lasting change in the lives of children and families across our region.

📞 For more info: 913-484-2546
📧 [email protected]
🔗 Register here: https://member.marc.org/ap/Events/Register/nvFDRXxtECNCZ

Today, we honor the hardworking individuals who make our communities stronger, especially those dedicated to shaping the future through early childhood education. 💼📚

At Starting Early, we’re proud to support the early education workforce through training, professional development, and advocacy, ensuring every child has access to the quality care and learning they deserve and every educator has the tools and respect they need to thrive.

Thank you to our teachers, caregivers, trainers, advocates, and partners. Your work matters. 💪❤️

🎉 Support Early Educators Today! 🍎
They shape the future—let’s show up for them.
👉 Share this and tag an early educator you appreciate!

1. Design Learning Centers 🎨📚
Create clear zones like a reading nook, art station, sensory table, and dramatic play corner to support hands-on exploration.

2. Use Child-Sized Furniture 🪑
Everything should be within reach for little hands—tables, chairs, shelves—to build confidence and independence.

3. Label with Pictures & Words 🖼️🔤
Use both images and words on bins and shelves to support early literacy and make cleanup a breeze!

4. Keep It Soft & Inviting 🌈🧸
Use rugs, cushions, and warm lighting to create a cozy, calming environment that feels like a second home.

5. Make It Safe & Navigable 🚸
Leave plenty of room to move and play. Keep walkways clear and materials organized for smooth transitions.

Early childhood educators teach, nurture, guide, and help children grow into who they're meant to be.

💡 Everyday, early educators shape the future by honoring each child’s individuality and potential.

👉 Tag an educator who inspires you!

📢 Without child care, parents can’t work.
Without parents working, businesses can’t thrive.
Without thriving businesses, our economy suffers.

Child care isn’t a luxury — it’s essential infrastructure.
It’s time to treat it like it. 🧸💼👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🕒 Parenting Tip: Establish Routines 🧸

Routines help preschoolers feel safe, secure, and confident. Predictability reduces stress and helps little learners feel safe, secure, and confident. Predictability reduces stress both of you!

How?
✅ Keep consistent times for meals, naps, play, and bedtime.
✅ Use simple cues like songs or visual charts to guide transitions.
✅ Stick to the rhythm — especially during big changes (like starting preschool).

Kids thrive on routine — it’s their version of stability. 💛

💛 Early childhood educators give so much of themselves everyday.
To keep showing up for the children in their care, it’s just as important to take time for themselves.

✨ Pause. Breathe. Rest. Refill your own cup—because you matter just as much as the little ones you care for.