Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Looking for a mentor in Seattle

    Posted 03-21-2019 03:39 PM
    Hello all!

    I am currently a CDA instructor at a small non-profit at Columbus, Ohio. I am, sort of suddenly, relocating to the Greater Seattle area in Washington State. 
    I am in the process of getting my state credentials through the Merit system, and I just got a STAR number. 

    I would love to volunteer with an instructor who works in this state. I realize that will probably not be able to teach child development for a while, not only due to waiting for my credentials to be verified, but also because I am not familiar with licensing in this state. I would love to learn all that I can before trying to find a job since the system seems very confusing from my end right now. Though I did my BA in Puerto Rico, I was never a teacher before moving to Ohio, and this is the first time ever I am relocating since becoming a professional. 

    I would greatly appreciate any help that comes my way, I am open to volunteering and being an aid for a while. I am also open to advise since I am far from the first CDA instructor to move to another state.

    At least the PD Specialist credential is national!! Hooray for that!

    Thank you!!
    Nina

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    Naisha Feliciano-Moragon
    Job Coach / Teacher Instructor
    Godman Guild Association
    Columbus OH
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  • 2.  RE: Looking for a mentor in Seattle

    Posted 03-21-2019 07:06 PM
    Hi Nina,

    Welcome to Seattle! I relocated last summer from Chicago; I hope that you will love it as much as I do.

    The Administrative Code that details the licensing standards for early learning in the state of Washington (know as WAC) has recently undergone a major revision. The new WAC will be effective in August 2019. The educational requirements for all those who work in early childhood settings have changed, and there are time limits for those who are currently working in the profession who need to upgrade their educational credentials. Washington state has moved to a "stack-able" certificate program, which has made obtaining a CDA less desirable. The non-profits that I know who offered classes and support for obtaining the CDA have had to shift to offering professional development for the required STARS hours instead. My advice to you would be to start the process of becoming a state-approved trainer. More information is available on the MERIT website.

    Good luck!

    Shannon Nagy
    Executive Director
    Hutch Kids Child Care Center
    Seattle WA

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    Shannon Nagy
    Hutch Kids Child Care Center
    Seattle WA
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  • 3.  RE: Looking for a mentor in Seattle

    Posted 03-22-2019 10:03 AM
    Thank you Shannon, 
    This was extremely useful!
    I am familiar with stackable certifications because is similar to what we have in Ohio currently. CDAs were actually not awarded any points until the revision to the revision when they were brought back.  
    I will get to work in those STAR hours as soon as I move over there. How many hours of STAR must a teacher have each session? Is it annually or bi-annually?

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    Naisha Feliciano-Moragon
    Job Coach / Teacher Instructor
    Godman Guild Association
    Columbus OH
    ------------------------------