Child Care Associates

🌟 Big news! We're thrilled to announce that Child Care Associates (CCA) has been awarded a grant from the Early Educator Investment Collaborative! This grant is part of a nationwide effort to enhance compensation and transform educator preparation for the early childhood education (ECE) workforce.   With this grant, CCA will: - 🔍 Evaluate and enhance our Prime Early Learning and PreK Today pilots - 💡 Advance innovative financing and community-based early learning models - 🛠️ Identify barriers in coordinating multiple funding streams - 📊 Conduct a comprehensive study on the early educator workforce in North Texas   We’re excited to drive meaningful change for our educators and the children they serve! 🌟   #ChildCareAssociates #EarlyLearning #ECE #InnovationInEducation #EarlyEducators #TexasEducation #ChildCare #Innovation #EducatorSupport #TransformativeChange #PreK #NorthTexas #Partnerships

On Tuesday, August 13, Child Care Associates CEO Kara Waddell testified before the Committee on Public Education in Austin, TX, about the critical need to invest in community-based PreK programs. Here are the key takeaways: 1. Expanding PreK Accessibility: Kara discussed the importance of making publicly funded Pre-K more accessible through community-based child care programs. By removing barriers to the state’s PreK Partnership models and providing stronger support for communities to offer pre-K within full-day, year-round child care programs, we can better address the needs of working families. 2. Directing Funding to Community-Based Programs: She advocated for channeling resources to community-based programs for three key reasons: ✅ Meeting Families Where They Are: Community-based programs provide full-day child care coverage, essential for working families. This model aligns with parents' preferences and needs. ✅ Enhancing Quality and Revenue: Allowing child care centers to participate in the state’s PreK program boosts revenue and supports the delivery of high-quality care. ✅ Stabilizing Child Care Ecosystems: As preschoolers transition from traditional child care to district programs, funding for infants and toddlers has been strained, leading to higher costs. A balanced ecosystem for children aged 0-5 is crucial for sustainable child care. 3. Building a Strong Early Learning System: Community-based PreK is vital for a robust early learning infrastructure. However, less than 2% of PreK programs currently operate in community-based settings—a stark contrast to the preferences of 75% of parents nationwide who favor these programs. This work is a key part of CCA’s commitment to advocating for early education through The Early Ed Canary, powered by the Institute to Advance Child Care (IACC). The IACC is CCA’s dedicated innovation arm, charged with jump-starting bold solutions to advance the early education and care system in North Texas. Through the on-the-ground efforts of the IACC, we are not just imagining a new sector—we are creating the blueprints needed for transformative change. ***Video: Public record from the Texas House of Representatives***

Child Care Associates (CCA) is excited to announce the availability of seats in its Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Tarrant County. These programs are designed to give young children the best start on their educational journey. What is Head Start? Head Start is a national commitment to providing all children, from birth to age five, the foundation they need to thrive both inside the classroom and in the wider world. Tailored for children from income-eligible families, Head Start offers children a strong, well-rounded classroom experience and support to them and their families beyond the classroom. Program Highlights: ⭐Dedicated, Caring Educators: Our team of teachers and staff is trained to deliver high-quality early childhood education and support services. ⭐ Comprehensive Curriculum: Our program offers a rich, child-centered curriculum that supports the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of each child. ⭐Health Services: We provide essential health services, including screenings, immunizations, dental care, and nutritional support to ensure every child is healthy and ready to learn. ⭐Family Engagement: We believe that parents and caregivers are their child's first and most important teachers. Our program includes resources and activities to involve families in their child's education and development. Apply Now Enrollment for this school year is now open! To learn more about our Head Start and Early Head Start program or begin the application process, please visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gTw58jAu.

Are you passionate about early education? Interested in exploring career opportunities that support the advancement of young learners? Then you don't want to miss this exciting event! Whether you're looking to start a new career or advance in the field of early education, Child Care Associates is hosting a job fair just for you. Come meet our team, learn more about the rewarding roles we offer, and take the first step toward making a difference in children's lives. 🗓️ When: Friday, September 6 📍 Where: 2700 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137 🔥 REGISTER NOW (https://lnkd.in/gyxpJiAu) and get ready to explore amazing career opportunities with us. We can’t wait to meet you! #JobFair #EarlyEducation #CareerOpportunities #JoinOurTeam #ChildCareAssociates

CCA President & CEO Kara Waddell, a strong advocate for early education, was at the Texas Capitol on Tuesday, advocating during the House Committee on Public Education meeting. She regularly fights for early education at both the state and local levels. During her testimony, Waddell emphasized the critical importance of investing in early childhood education programs, with a particular focus on pre-K partnerships. She highlighted how connecting school districts with private child care programs bridges the gap between pre-K and K-12, offering parents the option to access high-quality, community-based programs. According to the Texas Education Agency, public-private prekindergarten partnerships are collaborations between local education agencies (LEAs) like school districts or open-enrollment charter schools and private child care or Head Start programs. These partnerships are encouraged for the collaborative opportunities and benefits they create.

Check out this special message from our CEO & President, Kara Waddell, about a unique opportunity at the newly renovated Child Care Studios at Riverside. Apply today at https://lnkd.in/gmxQAf2Q

Please join us in congratulating our CEO and President, Kara Waddell, on being named one of the most influential 400 people in Fort Worth by FW, Inc.! Your leadership, vision and tireless efforts not only shapes futures, but our community!

360° Tour: Fort Worth is gaining thousands of new residents each year, putting community leaders on a race to keep up. On a visit to Cowtown, Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan met with business and nonprofit leaders working to build education and workforce infrastructure. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dfx7hvpE

Calling all early childhood educators! If you're looking to take the next step in your teaching career, CCA has some exciting opportunities for you! Join us at our next Recruitment Experience event to learn about our unique career pathways, educational assistance and more. Who knows, you may even sign an offer on the spot! Register and meet us there! . . . #WeAreHiring #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EarlyChildhood #Teacher

Do you dream of becoming a teacher? Let us help you! Child Care Associates has immediate openings for paid Early Head Start Apprenticeships! CCA will provide you with rich learning experiences, cover all costs to obtain the Infant/Toddler CDA, and provide coaching to prepare you to become an Early Head Start Teacher. RSVP at https://lnkd.in/gtpNPABc You don't want to miss this fun, informative recruitment experience happening March 8th and March 22nd! #WeAreHiring #earlyeducation