CDA Impact in Maryland (11/1/2023)
The Council for Professional Recognition’s grant has made significant impact within the state of
Maryland through both marketing and the training opportunities that began this summer.

The Council executed an in-depth marketing plan in 2023 for the Maryland grant. The plan included
print and digital promotion on several national and local platforms including: The Washington Post,
Baltimore Sun, and the Maryland Patch. In addition to the external publications and platforms, the
Council used its internal communication opportunities to promote the grant, including social media,
monthly e-newsletter and email on an ongoing basis. The marketing efforts have received significant
engagement that has led to increased awareness of the grant as well as an increase to both initial and
renewal CDA applications.

Participating training organizations were able to share the marketing pieces as well as receive significant
training from the Council to implement the initiative. Within four months of starting the grant’s new
training initiative, below please find examples of comments from a few trainers and participants that
highlight the overall impact to date:

Sammantha Boyle, Customer Engagement Specialist, Bertelsen Education:
“I wanted to share about one of our participants, Corrine, who exceeded my expectations in every way.
She was present at each webinar, shows-up to help other participant when she could, and completed a
beautifully put together portfolio. Throughout the process she exemplified leadership and that she is
ready to become a mentor to others in the ECE field. I honestly can’t wait to hear what her future holds
because her passion and excitement for Early Childhood Education is evident in each conversation.”

Patricia Pascucci, Owner/Director Miss Trish’s Wellness Teachings and Techniques:
“At a time when Educators of young children are more essential than ever, MSDE’s CDA Training
Scholarship Initiative has not only allowed us to support the ECE community with valuable CDA training
and a one-of-a-kind collaboration mode, but provide the training needed to equate certified educators,
staffed classrooms, and well cared for children.”

“With the financial scholarships allotted by the MSDE CDA Training Scholarship Initiative Program, Miss
Trish’s was able to enroll over 110 participants into our accredited CDA Program within less than four
months, allowing Educators the opportunity to receive the necessary CDA credential that they may have
otherwise not have had the financial means to earn.”

“Because of the MSDE CDA funding, more Early Childhood Educators are now adequately prepared to
handle any and all classroom situations they may face on a daily basis, build a career for themselves, and
continue to provide the care needed for the children within their community.”

Frances Johnson, CDA participant in Miss Trish’s program:
“The courses have helped me get a deeper understanding of my role as a teacher at a larger scale and
the impact that I’m making on children’s lives.”

Dominique Scurry, CDA participant in Miss Trish’s program:
“I love that it’s at your own pace and not rushed. Any questions I had - their response was quick and my
questions were answered. Also, the optional portfolio zoom class was great for me and now I understand
it better. The grant helped me get into this class as a single parent of 3, so I hope ya’ll will continue to get
more people into this program.”

Patricia Pascucci, Owner/Director Miss Trish’s concluded that, “Although these are just a few of the
positive feedback responses received, it is clear that with an overall satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 that
not only did the MSDE CDA Training Scholarship Initiative Program provide the funding needed for these
students to enroll, but that the CDA Course itself has allowed these hardworking educators to continue
their commitment to the young children in their care.”

As seen through the above examples from both Bertelsen Education and Miss Trish, the impact of the
MSDE grant’s financial assistance along with the Council’s marketing efforts and CDA training program
collaborations have made an important impact within the state as participants further their education
and career in the early childhood education field. We are excited to see and share more impactful
success stories throughout the remainder of the grant!