Planting Seeds for the Future: Jakine Trader Earns Her CDA® Family Child Care Credential (Bilingual)
A Vision for Young Learners
In 2022, Jakine Trader opened the doors to Pals and Gals Childhood Learning Center in Bear, Delaware, with a clear and purposeful mission: to provide a safe, nurturing, and academically enriching environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive.
Serving children from six weeks to six years old, Pals and Gals is grounded in the belief that early learning lays the foundation for lifelong success. In addition to full-time early care services, the center provides tutoring support for older children who require additional academic reinforcement. The goal is comprehensive kindergarten readiness, ensuring children are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally.
A Credential That Strengthens Leadership
Through the CDA® Voucher-Only Scholarship, Jakine earned her Child Development Associate® (CDA®) Family Child Care credential (Bilingual). This scholarship pathway is designed for early childhood professionals who are nearing completion of their credential and prepared to finalize the process independently.
By covering the $525 CDA® assessment fee and providing a $1,000 completion stipend, the ECIC removes financial barriers and supports educators in reaching this nationally recognized milestone.
For Jakine, this accomplishment represents growth on multiple levels. Earning her CDA® strengthens her leadership, enhances instructional quality, and reinforces her commitment to delivering high standards of care and education. As a bilingual credentialed professional, she is positioned to better serve diverse families and ensure inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments.
A Philosophy Rooted in Purpose
Reflecting on her journey, Jakine shares:
“Planting seeds today so our children can grow into tomorrow’s leaders.”
Her words reflect both her philosophy and her impact. The seeds planted inside Pals and Gals Childhood Learning Center extend beyond academics. They cultivate confidence, resilience, and opportunity for every child served.
Growing Delaware’s Early Childhood Workforce
Jakine’s achievement underscores the importance of professional advancement in early childhood education. When educators grow, programs strengthen. When programs strengthen, children and communities thrive.
The ECIC proudly celebrates Jakine Trader on earning her CDA® and continuing her commitment to excellence in family child care.
Your Next Step
Jakine’s journey is also a reminder that growth in early childhood education is possible when educators have access to the right support.
Family child care providers across Delaware play a critical role in shaping the earliest learning experiences for young children. Through scholarships, credential pathways, and professional guidance, the ECIC is committed to supporting educators who are ready to strengthen their practice and advance their careers.
Whether you are completing your CDA®, exploring an Associate or Bachelor’s degree, or looking for resources to support your family child care program, the ECIC offers opportunities designed to help Delaware’s early childhood workforce grow and succeed.
If you are a family child care provider in Delaware, your next step could start here.
Explore ECIC scholarships and resources at ecic.desu.edu.