Tiffany Morgan, a Navy Child Development Home (CDH) provider for Naval Station Everett, has been awarded a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in recognition of her outstanding work with young children. The Council of Professional Recognition in Washington, DC, which represents the early childhood education practice, awarded the credential.

CDA is the only major national effort to improve early childcare education and care by evaluating and recognizing the skills of individuals providing care. The first credential was awarded over 30 years ago, and now 49 states plus the District of Columbia includes CDA in their childcare licensing regulations.

The Navy CDH program is an alternative to center based childcare such as the Child Development Center (CDC) on base. Navy child development homes are required to meet many of the same requirements as traditional center based care, including background checks, training and certification as well as inspections.

Potential providers are carefully screened and required to attend a weeklong orientation prior to enrolling in the program. National background checks are conducted on all individuals residing in the house and providers are required to meet strict adult to child ratios.

Because NAVSTA Everett has no on base housing, its providers are not only required to meet Navy standards, they must also become Washington State licensed prior to opening their doors. All CDH providers are subject to monthly-unannounced visits, twice-annual inspections, and are required to attend monthly training sessions. 

A Navy CDH provider for more than five years, Morgan has cared for children in her home while stationed at both Port Hueneme, CA and at Everett. “I like the structure, the values and the standards of the Navy CDH program,” she commented. “They provide you with all the tools you need to provide excellent care; it has monthly training opportunities to improve yourself as a provider. I also like that I can provide affordable high quality childcare for military parents,” she continued.

When asked about her attaining her achievement, she stated, “The CDA credential took me about six months to achieve. I had to initially meet eligibility criteria before demonstrating the ability to work with families and meet the needs of the children in my care.”

Prior to the assessment visit, where an early childhood education professional observes the provider and his/her program, potential applicants must be 18 years of age or older, hold a high school diploma or GED, have more than 480 hours of experience working with children in a five year period and have at least120 clock hours of formal child care education. They must be able to demonstrate their ability to work with families to develop children’s physical and intellectual capabilities in a safe and healthy learning environment.

When asked what advice she would give families looking for childcare, she commented, “I think the CDH program is a great program and one that all families should consider. It can sometimes offer more flexibility and more of a one on one experience for the children,” she said. “The children in my care feel like my home is their home.” She continued, “You just have to trust your and your child’s instincts about a program or a provider.”

For more information on childcare in Navy Region Northwest, contact the Child Care Resource and Referral Office at (425) 304-3951/2. For more information on becoming a child development home provider, please call the CDH office at (425) 304-3690.