A Collaboration that Aims to Address the Growing Need for Early Childhood Educators

The Child Development Associate: Preschool (CDA) Program, with support from the Child Care Resource and Referral of Multnomah County (CCR&R), WorkSource Portland Metro and WorkSource Gresham, is a 12-month certificate designed to equip students with the essential skills, training, and support needed to become effective preschool educators. The program blends PCC’s workforce preparation courses with MHCC’s Vocational English for Speakers of Other Languages (VESL) instruction, using an Integrated Education and Training (IET) model and CCR&R providing the CDA training courses. 

 A key part of this support is WorkSource Gresham providing a dedicated Career Pathways Specialist for the recruitment, intake, ongoing support, support services, and regular check-ins with all of the students and a VESL instructor at MHCC and PCC.

 “This flexible, part-time program is tailored to meet the needs of busy students, providing wrap-around academic, employment, and support services throughout the journey,” said Bryan Jones, PCC’s manager of Career Pathways & STEP programs. “It is demanding, but it truly prepares students for a successful teaching career. Students graduate ready to enter the workforce and grow in the field.”

 A key highlight is the program’s real-world application. Students complete 480 hours of hands-on fieldwork in preschool or in-home childcare settings, reinforced by paid internships through PCC’s Opportunity Center PDX Metro Works program. These internships allow students to earn income while gaining professional experience in early childhood education. 

 “By leveraging local and state expertise and resources, the program is designed to meet the specific needs of our region, while offering a portable national credential to students,” said Kristen Kulongoski, Manager for Adult Basic Skills and Career Pathways at MHCC. “It also establishes a long-term educational and career pathway for both new and current early childhood education professionals.”

 Participants also benefit from one-on-one support through Career Pathways, Workforce Gresham & STEP coaches at both colleges. 

 Upon completion, graduates earn a national CDA certification that is recognized and portable across states. 

The graduates begin their careers with competitive wages ranging from $17–$19 per hour, with opportunities to earn up to $22 per hour in full-time positions. The program also provides a clear pathway to continued studies in early childhood education. After completing the program, they can continue their education and career pathway in an early childhood education degree program of their choice. For more information on STEP and Career Pathways at PCC, visit https://www.pcc.edu/career-pathways/