ECIC Delaware

JOIN THE ECIC LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) at Delaware State University is seeking an experienced early childhood leader to serve as our Executive Director, a senior leadership position with statewide responsibility and impact.

The Executive Director will provide strategic and organizational leadership for the ECIC, lead and develop teams, oversee statewide programs and resources, and strengthen partnerships across early childhood education, higher education, workforce, government, and community systems.

We are looking for a leader who brings:

• A minimum master’s degree in a related field, preferably Educational Leadership and/or Early Childhood Education; a doctoral degree is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of experience providing or leading early childhood education serving children from birth through Grade 3.
• A minimum of five years of supervisory experience in an early childhood-related setting.
• A minimum of five years of experience developing and implementing adult education or workforce development initiatives within early childhood education.

Executive Director, Early Childhood Innovation Center
Salary: $135,000 annually

This is an opportunity to bring leadership, strategy, and systems-level experience to work that is strengthening Delaware’s early childhood workforce.

Explore the full position and apply:
ecic.desu.edu/careers-at-the-early-childhood-innovation-center/

ECIC Voices: Jajaira Caban 💙

Earning a Child Development Associate® (CDA®) Credential is more than reaching a professional milestone. It reflects dedication, growth, and a continued commitment to the children and families at the heart of early childhood education.

For Jajaira Caban, this achievement represents another important step forward in her professional journey.

With support from the ECIC CDA® Comprehensive Scholarship, Jajaira worked toward earning her credential while continuing her work at Blossom & Bloom Learning Center, where she supports young children as they learn, grow, and develop.

Through her CDA® journey, she strengthened her teaching skills, expanded her professional knowledge, and continued building the kind of nurturing environment where young children can thrive.

Reflecting on the experience, Jajaira shared:

“This journey has helped me grow professionally, strengthen my teaching skills, and continue providing a positive and nurturing environment for children. I am thankful for the support and guidance I received throughout this process.”

With her CDA® Credential earned, Jajaira is looking ahead to new opportunities for growth and advancement.

Congratulations, Jajaira, on reaching this incredible milestone. Your commitment to continued growth and to the young children you serve is worth celebrating.

Your CDA® journey can start here.

Explore the ECIC CDA® Scholarship opportunities and apply today at ecic.desu.edu.

Your CDA® may have expired. Your experience doesn’t.

The years you have spent caring, teaching, guiding, and growing in early childhood education still matter.

Through the CDA® Renewal Amnesty Program, eligible educators with Child Development Associate(CDA®) credentials that expired as far back as January 1, 2016 have an opportunity to complete the current renewal requirements and make their credential active again.

For eligible Delaware ECE professionals, the ECIC CDA® Renewal Amnesty Scholarship will cover the $250 renewal fee.

✨ Keep the experience.
🎓 Renew the credential.
💙 Keep moving forward.

The Amnesty Program is available through April 26, 2027. Start your renewal journey now and take advantage of this limited-time opportunity.

Your experience doesn’t expire. Your next step starts here.

👉 Learn more at ecic.desu.edu

Ready to take the next step toward earning your CDA®? 🎓

Wilmington University is offering upcoming Child Development Associate® (CDA) Certification Training and Test Prep cohorts for Delaware early childhood professionals.

The cohort-based program includes 120 clock hours of professional development, live online instruction, test preparation, and guidance with portfolio submission.

Choose the cohort that works for you:

🎓 Cohort 1: Tuesdays | October 20–March 15
🎓 Cohort 2: Wednesdays | October 21–March 16
🎓 Spanish-Speaking Cohort: Thursdays | November 12–April 7

All cohorts meet online from 6:30–8:30 p.m.

And there’s even more to celebrate: most educators working in a licensed Delaware early care and education facility can participate at NO COST! 🎉

If earning your CDA® is part of your professional goals, explore this opportunity and see if it is the right fit for you.

🔗 Visit continuinged.wilmu.edu and select “CDA Certification Information” to confirm eligibility and register.

Questions about the Wilmington University program? Call 302-356-2455 or email [email protected].

Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep strengthening early childhood in Delaware. 💙

JOIN THE ECIC LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) is seeking an accomplished early childhood professional to serve as our Child Development Associate (CDA®) Program Officer, a leadership position with statewide responsibility and impact.

The CDA® Programs Officer will provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for the ECIC’s statewide CDA® programs, lead and develop the CDA® team, strengthen program quality and performance, and cultivate partnerships across education, higher education, workforce, and community systems.

We are looking for a leader who brings:
• A master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Adult Education, Workforce Development, or a closely related field is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in early childhood education, including teaching, program leadership, workforce development, educator preparation, adult learning, coaching, or a combination of these areas is preferred.
• A minimum of three years of experience directly supervising professional employees in early childhood education, education, workforce development, or a closely related setting is preferred.
Child Development Associate (CDA®) Program Officer

Salary: $95,000 annually

This is an opportunity to bring leadership, strategy, and experience to work that is shaping early childhood career pathways across Delaware.

Explore the full position and apply:
https://vist.ly/5ipyt

WE ARE HIRING 💙

The Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) at Delaware State University is growing, and we’re looking for talented professionals ready to bring their skills and experience to work that strengthens Delaware’s early childhood workforce.

Explore four opportunities to join our team:
🔹 Program Support Associate | $45,000 annually
🔹 Child Development Associate Coach | $60,000 annually
🔹 Operations Navigator – Finance and Office Operations | $65,000 annually
🔹 Operations Navigator – Application and Program Operations | $65,000 annually

From supporting day-to-day operations to coaching early childhood professionals and strengthening program systems, each role contributes to the ECIC’s work with children, families, communities, and a stronger Delaware.

Build your career. Strengthen early childhood.

🔗 Explore the positions, review qualifications, and apply today at:
https://vist.ly/5iidd

ECIC Voices | Kristi Tylman 💙

Earning a Child Development Associate(CDA®) is more than completing a credential. It reflects the time, effort, growth, and support that help early childhood educators strengthen their practice and continue moving forward in the profession.

Kristi Tylman of Corporate Kids, who works with 1-year-olds, recently earned her Birth to Five Child Development Associate® (CDA®) credential.

For Kristi, the experience was both meaningful and enjoyable, with encouragement from Karin Douglas helping her stay challenged and supported throughout the process.

In her words:
“I had so much fun completing my Birth to Five credential. I was challenged and encouraged by Karin! I’ll be forever grateful for her!”

Kristi’s accomplishment reflects her commitment to continued professional growth and to the young children she supports each day.

Congratulations, Kristi, on earning your CDA®! This is an important professional milestone, and we are proud to recognize the work it took to get here.

Kristi’s story is also a reminder that professional growth can begin with one decision to take the next step.

If earning your CDA® has been one of your goals, the ECIC CDA® scholarship applications are now open, with flexible support options designed to meet educators at different points in their journey.

Learn more and apply at ecic.desu.edu.

You’re already doing the work. Now it’s time to be recognized for it.

Every day, you show up for children. You create learning experiences, support their development, celebrate their progress, and help build the foundation they will carry with them for years to come. That work matters, and your professional growth matters too. If earning or maintaining your CDA® has been on your mind, this is your opportunity to take that next step.

The ECIC Child Development Associate (CDA®) scholarship applications are now open, with different options designed to support where you are in your journey:

CDA® Comprehensive: Ready to earn your first CDA®? Get comprehensive support as you work toward your credential and turn the experience you bring to the classroom every day into a nationally recognized professional achievement.

CDA® Renewal: Already earned your CDA®? Keep the credential you worked hard for current and continue building on the professional growth you’ve already started.

CDA® Voucher Only: Completed your portfolio and ready for your observation and exam? You’ve already put in the work. This option can help you take those final steps toward earning your credential.

You pour so much into helping young children learn, grow, and thrive. Make this the moment you invest in your own growth, too.

📣Apply for your CDA® scholarship today at ecic.desu.edu.