DSU’s early ed. center awards 13 degrees, 223 credentials in first year

DSU’s ECIC higher education graduates, from left: Ayesha Jamison, Michelle Spangler, Luz Quiroga,
Evelyn Cubbage, Patrice Jones Cornish, Julissa Valerio and ECIC Scholarship Coordinator
Jennifer Seo.

At the conclusion of its first year, a new program at Delaware State University focused on training professionals to serve the state’s youngest learners, graduated 13 people with degrees and gave credentials to hundreds more.

DSU’s Early Childhood Innovation Center aims to empower and cultivate a highly skilled, educated and diverse workforce by providing holistic, comprehensive and evidence-based supports.

Its mission is to increase childcare capabilities in the First State to give young children the best educational start possible.

“We are proud of the inaugural class of the Early Childhood Innovation Center,” said Caitlin Gleason, associate secretary for early childhood support at the Department of Education. “The Delaware Department of Education funds the ECIC and its scholarships and stipends because state leaders recognize the importance of investing in and supporting these early childhood professionals.”

The center’s DE RISE Scholarship Program, which began in fall 2023, resulted in five earning associate degrees and eight earning bachelor’s degrees in areas relating to early childhood education.

A graduation ceremony was held on the Dover campus last week.

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“Quality education at a young age is an essential building block for a successful future,” said Senate Minority Whip Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown. “By investing in resources for childcare and future childhood educators, our state is set to be in good hands for years to come.”

The general assembly has passed a slew of bills in recent years focused on bolstering the state’s early education system, both expanding the access and affordability for families, and creating pathways for prospective teachers to earn their certifications.

“Congratulations to the 13 graduates from DSU’s program and good luck in your future careers,” Pettyjohn said.

The innovation center also facilitated the credentialing of 223 childcare scholars who achieved their certification as Child Development Associates (CDA).

That certification broadens the options for job opportunities for the childcare providers, as well as higher paying positions.

“Congratulations to the recent graduates,” said Sen. Laura Sturgeon, D-Hockessin and chair of the Senate Education Committee. “Their professional advancement and learning will benefit the young children they teach, and we know how important early education is to establish a strong foundation for students.”

The CDA graduates could earn a $1,000 stipend if they continue working in the field in Delaware for six months, an incentive to help with the state’s teacher retention.

“As a mother and teacher, I deeply understand the critical role early childhood education plays in shaping the future of our children,” said Rep. Sherae’a Moore, D-Middletown who is the vice-chair of the House Education Committee, an educator and a DSU graduate.

She said she’s incredibly proud of the recent graduates of the program and said their achievements are a testament to the transformative power of investing in our youngest learners.

“Building our pipeline of qualified and dedicated early childhood educators is one of the most important steps we can take to improve education outcomes and ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she said.

There appears to be sustained demand for the program too, as more than 700 people applied for it.

Gleason said the state’s youngest learners grow and develop through positive experiences with highly qualified professionals, and these graduates are dedicated to being lifelong learners themselves to continue to improve their knowledge and skills to ultimately benefit the children in their care.

“Career advancement and professional credentials for early childhood educators are critical to high-quality education,” Sturgeon said, “and, we know that we need to invest more as a state so that early educators’ salaries recognize the highly skilled professional work they do and so they stay teaching in early care and education.”