ECIC Delaware

🔵 ACTION NEEDED: iPD Online System Is Changing

Before iPD becomes Early Education Pathways (EEP), make sure your progress is protected.

If you use the FREE iPD system through the Office of Head Start, please complete all unfinished courses by Monday, June 8, 2026, at midnight and save PDF copies of your iPD transcript and/or course certificates.

These records may be needed for future verification.

The ECIC is helping share this update with Delaware early care and education programs on behalf of the Delaware Department of Education.

For questions related to this transition, contact [email protected]

💙 Congratulations to Our CDA® Scholar 💙

We are proud to celebrate Abimbola Fabiyi for achieving her Infant Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA®) credential through the support of the Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC).

Earning the CDA® is an important milestone in the early childhood profession. It recognizes educators who are committed to strengthening their knowledge, improving classroom practice, and providing high quality care and learning experiences for young children.

Abimbola’s accomplishment reflects dedication, persistence, and a deep commitment to the children and families she serves. Achievements like this continue to strengthen Delaware’s early childhood workforce.

📣 Delaware early childhood educators, if you have been thinking about earning your CDA®, this is your sign. The ECIC scholarships provide coaching, guidance, and financial support so you do not have to take the journey alone.

Apply today at ecic.desu.edu.

“Even on the days I doubted myself, I had people who believed in me.”

That belief made all the difference for Jade Aleah Warrington.

Working with preschoolers at The Lighthouse on the Shore in Lewes, Delaware, Jade was already bringing magic to her classroom every day. But when she was ready to take her next professional step, it was intentional structure, steady guidance, and a community of support that helped her turn doubt into distinction and earn her Child Development Associate (CDA®) credential.

When we invest in our early childhood educators, they do more than just persist they advance, strengthening their practice, their classrooms, and our entire community.

Read Jade's full, inspiring story here: 🔗https://vist.ly/55i4a

We are proud to support educators like Tressa as they continue their professional journey and achieve meaningful milestones in their Early Childhood Education Career.

Congratulations, Tressa! 💙

Another CDA® earned. And this one carries 42 years of dedication.

Tressa Clemow returned to her credentialing journey through the ECIC Family Child Care CDA® Cohort after pausing to focus on her family. Guided by Cohort Coach Stephanie Jackson, she finished what she started.

Congratulations, Tressa. Thank you to the Early Childhood Innovation Center for building the kind of support that brings educators back to the table.

Honoring Memorial Day💙

In observance of Memorial Day, the ECIC will be closed Friday, May 22 and Monday, May 25, 2026.

As we pause for Memorial, we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

To our scholars, educators, partners and community, we wish you a safe and meaningful holiday.

Regular operations will resume Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

📣 You’re Invited: ECIC Early Child Care Resource Center

The ECIC Early Child Care Resource Center is open to support early childhood providers with practical resources, professional guidance, and a collaborative space to strengthen your practice.

When you attend, you’ll have access to:
✨ Creative classroom tools and materials
✨ Work and collaboration spaces
✨ Laptops available for on-site use
✨ Career advisement
✨ Support with your Child Development Associate (CDA®) application
✨ Guidance on Quorum® application

📅 Thursday, May 21, 2026
🕙 04:30 PM – 07:00 PM
📍 Early Childhood Innovation Center
Delaware State University
1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901

Join us and discover how the Resource Center can support your work and professional growth.

🔵 We made a circle.

What began as a film screening became something much bigger.

Organized by Mdaeyc and Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children in collaboration with GatherRound and hosted by the Early Childhood Innovation Center at Delaware State University, the Delaware screening of Make A Circle brought together educators, advocates, leaders and community voices for an evening that placed the emotional realities of early childhood education into full view.

As the film unfolded, many educators saw their own stories reflected on screen, reminding everyone in the room of the passion, sacrifice and heart behind the work of caring for young children.

🔗 Read more here: https://vist.ly/54mn4

📷 Full photo gallery: https://vist.ly/54mn5

Behind every confident child is an educator who kept going, even when it was difficult.
An educator who worked a full day, then logged into class at night.
An educator who chose growth in the middle of responsibility.
An educator who continues to pour into children while still building a future for themselves.
Across Delaware, these stories are happening every day.

The Delaware RISE Scholarship Recognition Ceremony was created to honor that journey, not just the achievement, but the perseverance, commitment, and impact behind it.

At the ECIC, we believe educators deserve more than applause. They deserve investment, visibility, and a community that believes in what they are building.That is why we are inviting sponsors and partners to stand with us as we recognize and celebrate Delaware’s early childhood workforce.

When you invest in educators, you invest in stronger classrooms, stronger families, and stronger futures.
If your organization believes in the power of education and community impact, we invite you to partner with us.

Express your interest here:
👉 https://vist.ly/54cnb

All sponsorship commitments are respectfully requested by May 31, 2026.