Care and Development of Young Children (CDYC) Completion Ceremony

July 25, 2022

Delgado Community College hosted its first Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate and Child Development Associate (CDA) completion ceremony on June 30 in the Timothy K. Baker Theatre. Celebrating alongside the students were faculty and staff from Delgado Care and Development of Young Children (CDYC) and Workforce Development. Also attending were representatives of Total Community Action, Inc. (TCA) and several childcare centers.

The graduating students received special recognition and congratulations for completing three college courses--CDYC 109, CDYC 110, and CDYC 113--which are also equivalent to 135 clock hours of training (45 clock hours per course). The course completions contributed to students earning their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate.  The coursework can also be applied toward the CDYC Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree as a career path.

Requirements for the program consisted of students working at a publicly funded Type III early learning center for at least six months, and active participation in the Louisiana Pathways Scholarship program. 

“The turnout was fantastic,” said Lisa Darby Melson, CDYC Department Chair and Professor.  “Everyone enjoyed the student testimonials, family participation, the beautiful program, and most importantly the students.”

Kim Tubre, Director of Corporate, Community and Continuing Education for Delgado Workforce Development, addressed the students with words of welcome and encouragement. Thema H. French, TCA President/CEO, offered words of inspiration.

Student testimonials were given by Pamela McMath of TCA and Anya Taylor of Kingsley House.

Racquel Hayes McKay, CLASS Reliable Observer, introduced the keynote speaker, Lisa Darby Melson, CDYC Department Chair and Professor.

Certificates were presented by Kisha Davis and Catherine Robin, CDYC Instructors, and Racquel Hayes McKay and Kedra Gray, CLASS Reliable Observers.

Closing remarks were given by Catherine Robin.

 

Total Community Action, Inc. Students

Stephanie Cockerham - Rayne Early Childhood Program

Zuymeys Escalona - Pearlie H. Elloie Head Start Center

Tiffany Guy - Carrollton Dunbar Head Start Center

Tracy Hemphill - TCA @ Mahalia Jackson Center

Jessica Prater Jefferson - Gentilly East Head Start Center

Pamela McMath - It Takes a Village Child Development Center

Diamond Palmer - Viney Reynolds Child Development Center

Peggy Patterson - Pearlie H. Elloie Head Start Center

Reyna Paz - TCA @ VIET Child Development Center

Corielle Washington - Gentilly East Head Start Center

Claudia Williams - It Takes a Village Child Development Center

Whitney Williams - Carolyn Green Ford Head Start Center

 

CDYC Students

Jaylin Butler - Kingsley House

Amber Chatman - Little Learners

Perchaneika County - Creative Kidz East

Aquasia Edwards - Kingsley House

Kaila Jackson - Winn’s Discovery

Davine Jackson - Winn’s Discovery

Nicole Miller - Carbo’s Learning

Anya Taylor - Kingsley House

Annjaleika Thompson - Little Learners

Completion Ceremony