Educare Arizona influences new generation of early childhood educators through professional credentialing program

By Jude McGee

Educare is a nationwide, evidence-based education model that provides exceptional early childhood schooling to communities that need it most. In Arizona, Educare’s Phoenix facility serves nearly 200 children a year. Facilitating Head Start programs, Educare works on a local level to support community needs.

Educare Arizona’s workforce development efforts are anchored in its Professional Development Institute, which has become a leading entity in preparing early childhood educators and social service professionals through research-based training, practical supports, and career-focused pathways. Through this institute, Educare offers its CDA Credentialing Program, a 30-week preparation program that supports participants in meeting credential requirements and developing the workforce-readiness skills needed for long-term success.

Educare is an affiliate of Southwest Human Development, where Eve Del Real serves as the director of Head Start programs.

“What we’re seeing is individuals that are seeking an opportunity to try something that they thought might have not been accessible to them,” Del Real said, “either due to the cost, or just the additional amount of support needed, whether it was childcare or transportation, we're able to fill certain  gaps because of the location and the accessibility of the program.”

According to Del Real, Educare’s facility in East Phoenix is “designed to serve as a cornerstone for the community in terms of social service, advocacy, and engagement.” The site supports both early learning for children and workforce preparation for adults, creating a central hub where families can access services while educators build skills and credentials.

After completing the program, participants sit for the CDA Credential exam, which assesses core competencies in child development, health and safety, nutrition, and family engagement. Educare Arizona’s model also introduces participants to family and social service systems, strengthening their preparation for multiple career pathways.

Emmilya Pacheco was originally referred to the CDA program through a long-time friend. She says that completing the program has given her a sense of purpose, and she looks forward to a long career in education.

“Teaching children is not easy,” Pacheco said. “Yet I would do the program a million times over, because of the joy I’ve seen in children when they enter and leave the classroom.”

Pacheco says the program taught her strategies and skills to support children’s needs at any developmental stage. Now a certified CDA, she plans to pursue a career in elementary education.

Pacheco and students

Educare’s integrated approach supports both community needs and workforce development. “Whether it’s the CDA program, the facility, or the learning environment, Educare reaches across multiple areas,” Del Real said. “It benefits children, families, and future educators.”

These needs are becoming increasingly critical to the state. A December 2025 report by the Arizona Department of Economic Security revealed that 6,111 families and 10,351 children are on the waiting list for subsidized child care. A 2023 survey by First Things First found that 70% of parents reported trouble accessing child care, and 28% reported quitting a job due to child care issues. Additionally, the report revealed that the state loses $4.7 billion annually due to the “lack of availability of child care for children from birth to age 5.”

The CDA program is free for participants and can have a massive impact on participants and the community. Pacheco said, “This program opens the gates into the classroom and equips you with the skills and patience you need when talking and playing with children. It has shown me that I am a professional and given me confidence going forward.”

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For more information about Educare and the CDA program, visit  https://educarearizona.org/ 

Images via Educare Arizona