Testimonials

I am grateful for the aid that I have received from the T.E.A.C.H. program. My 21 years of working in early childhood has been a blessing. Looking back, I made the best decision. With the help from CCSA, what I thought was impossible THEY made it possible.

— Owner, Durham County

Thank you so much for this valuable information. I had called several of these places in your larger list before I even spoke to you and I was completely overwhelmed because everyone I spoke to said they had no open spots. When I called you, I did not see a path forward and did not know what else to do. Thank you for taking the time to identify three places with openings. I called all three and now have appointments with them to do an in-person tour. It profoundly helped my peace of mind to know there are options for my child.

— Preschool Parent

T.E.A.C.H. has helped me out a lot with being able to go to school. My ultimate goal is to be a director and I am closer and closer to that goal. Without T.E.A.C.H., I would not have been able to accomplish any of my educational goals.

— Teacher, Durham County

I started using T.E.A.C.H. back in 2007. Without T.E.A.C.H., I could not have financially afford to go to school. I just recently graduated with my AAS in Early Childhood Education and T.E.A.C.H. was a huge part in helping me reach that milestone in my life. I never had problems with receiving assistance from T.E.A.C.H. and I am forever grateful that T.E.A.C.H. was available to help me. I have told other providers about how much T.E.A.C.H. has helped me and how it can help them as well.

— Family Child Care Home Provider, Rowan County

It helped me understand the steps in achieving positive social-emotional health for each child.

— NITTO participant

The T.E.A.C.H. program has positively changed my life. I was thrilled to be a recipient of this grant, without it, I would not be able to return to school. To this day, my T.E.A.C.H. scholarship has enabled me to earn a four-star rating at our center, earn my level 1 (soon my level2) Administration Credential and finally the ability to perform my job in a superior fashion.

— Owner/Director, Transylvania County

[It was a] reminder that I am very important as a teacher and that the children in my care depend on me especially in the first three years of their lives.

— NITTO participant

The information gave me more insight to guiding behaviors and how it is important to take care of myself and the importance of remaining calm.

— NITTO participant

[NITTO was] helpful to remind us that children are ever learning from those around them. We are able to be positive supports in their development and growth, or we can miss teaching opportunities by focusing on the negative.

— NITTO participant

It reminded me that conflicts are learning opportunities within the classroom.

— NITTO participant

It reminded me that conflicts are learning opportunities within the classroom.

— NITTO participant

[I need to] take care of myself so I can take care of the little ones.

— NITTO participant

[NITTO] is a great resource for every teacher and all infant/toddler teachers must consider taking this course.

— NITTO participant

[My teacher’s] enthusiasm for the toddler age group seemed to improve.

— Administrator of NITTO participant

[My teachers] collaborated together and had great discussions about the class.

— Administrator of NITTO participant

My teachers were very excited about this program. I appreciate you all letting administrators be a part of it too. It was fun getting to see my teacher’s face light up as they explained when I asked them what they learned this week or that week. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity for early childhood educators, especially in infant and toddler care. This age is my heart!

— Administrator of NITTO participant

CACFP Food program training, tools and overall value to our school has been tremendous. The tools and guidance have helped all of us (management, teachers, cook) become more nutritionally focused and able to ascertain whether the meals we are serving meet all criteria. The children and families are more confident in what we serve and pleased with our high nutritional standards.  In particular, our understanding and nutritional support to Infants has grown significantly!  Thank you for your support!

— Director of participating program

The CCSA [CACFP] is truly a great food program. While I am somewhat new to the program, the staff has been absolutely awesome! They have been patient and flexible while I learn all the rules and regulations. This program has also provided me with numerous resources, such as nutritious recipes, monthly income and trainings that have benefited my family child care home.

— Participating family child care provider

Tener acceso al Programa de Alimentación ha sido una bendición para mí. El estrés ha desaparecido a la hora de preparar un menú nutricional y balanceado según la temporada del año; y el reconocimiento monetario definitivamente hace una gran diferencia positiva en mis finanzas. Estoy agradecida por la dedicación, la orientación y el apoyo del personal. ¡USTEDES HACEN LA DIFERENCIA!

— Participating family child care provider

This training was interactive and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed the training.

— Early childhood educator

I am excited about the information I’ve learned. I can’t wait to use it in my class.

— Early childhood educator

This session helped to refresh information. Techniques were also introduced that I can use to help children in my class.

— Early childhood educator

[One of my] teachers stated she was going to have to get a second job after she finished work at the center so she could have more income but because of the monthly funding she wouldn’t have to do that now and could spend the evenings with her family.

— Babies First NC Administrator

I’ve learned to make sure activities are developmentally appropriate and that the children have choices of activities.

— Early childhood educator

This project has made me be able to afford child care for my son. Receiving the extra funds from the program I am able to have him in child care full time and still be able to support my house.

— Babies First NC Teacher

Thank you so much for this valuable information. I had called several of these places in your larger list before I even spoke to you and I was completely overwhelmed because everyone I spoke to said they had no open spots. When I called you, I did not see a path forward and did not know what else to do. Thank you for taking the time to identify 3 places with openings. I called all three and now have appointments with them to do an in-person tour. It profoundly helped my peace of mind to know there are options for my child.

— Preschool Parent

[BFNC has] very responsive TA’s. Thank you for all the help and assistance you’re giving us.

— Babies First NC Administrator

I wasn’t really prepared for actually searching for child care. I’m a solo parent, so it was a big adjustment to do that, and as soon as he came into the home, we had a clock ticking. We had eight weeks at home with him and then he needed to find somewhere to go during the day. By going to Child Care Services Association, it really did allow me to have one place where I could ask all my questions.

— New Parent

I have loved participating in the Babies 1st program. I have improved the quality we provide by having the teachers provide outcomes for the families and increased engagement. I have been able to provide a sensory track for the playground.

— Babies First NC Administrator

It was my first time ever looking for [care] and I was completely lost as far as what I should’ve been looking for. I really enjoyed the way my counselor broke it down for me and made it seem simple despite the fact I was shoving so much information into my head at one time. I’m impressed how much I could learn in one meeting!

— New Parent

It was very helpful in informing us about how to understand the North Carolina child care rating system. [The Specialists] suggestions about what to look for in a child care provider were also very helpful.  And the list of available providers in our area and price range was a big help as we looked for a provider for our child.

— Preschool Parent

I received helpful information and materials to work with the children.

— Babies First NC Teacher

The counselor provided a lot of information about what to look for in a center. As a result, I entered my child into a great school and I have peace of mind because I know my child is well taken care of while I am at work.

— Parent

I am…honored to receive the supplemental teacher deposit monthly. It makes the many hours of teaching, involvement, lesson planning, communicating, researching, and more worthwhile. It also reminds me that my role as an educator in the lives of young children is important.

— Babies First NC Teacher

Our teachers are receiving incentive payments which is very impactful for them personally. I hope that it will also encourage them to stay with us rather than job hop to another site.

— Babies First NC Administrator

The trainings and TA assistance are going to be invaluable in improving quality in our classrooms which will have a very positive impact on our children and families.

— Babies First NC Administrator

The project has allowed teachers to look to the future and what’s best practice for the children in their [classroom] and not to rely on what they have always done.

— Babies First NC Administrator

I feel it is very helpful so we learn how to do different activities with our babies and information to share with our parents.

— Babies First NC Teacher

Great communication and resources.

— Babies First NC Teacher

Huge impact. Funding for materials. Incentives for teachers. TA assistance and guidance.

— Babies First NC Administrator

Both of my children were lucky enough to eat Robert’s food [through CCSA’s Meal Services] while they were in child care. They each came home daily raving about the healthy food…My son has asked me many times why we can’t just have Robert’s food at home and was disappointed to find out that we can’t just order it. Recently, he has started asking for Robert’s recipes daily and wondering why Robert doesn’t have a cookbook.

— Parent of participating center

Child Care Services Association’s Meal Services Program provides good nutritious and diverse meals that complement the daily learning and physical development of our diverse population.

— Director of participating center

Having the variety in the menus CCSA creates has given our children exposure to some foods they might not ever had an opportunity to try. Parents have been surprised by some of the foods that their children eat here but not at home. Our children really enjoy trying so many new things!

— Director of participating center

Planning, shopping for and preparing nutritionally balanced and varied meals is one of the most difficult tasks a center faces. CCSA’s Meal Services Program saves me an unimaginable amount of time each day — and we are impressed with the quality of food served by the program.

— Director of participating center

After going for a physical, one of our students found out he was overweight. At the mother’s request, we gave her a menu from CCSA’s meal program so the physician could review the meals we typically receive. The mother called very excited that the physician thought the menus were extremely nutritious and she didn’t need to supplement anything. He told her that she could use our menu as a guide when preparing meals at home.

— Director of participating center

I like the fresh, local produce…[spoonFULL] does offer healthy meals and food options to children that may not be introduced to that food (beets, cauliflower, turnip greens, etc.).

— Teacher of Participating Center

Many families lament to us how much they and their children will miss the [spoonFULL] food program when they leave our program. Several parents have told us that when looking for their child’s next school, they will only consider programs that provide meals because of the convenience, nutritional aspects and their child’s varied palate, and how well they eat at our program.

— Director/Owner of Participating Center

WAGE$ has given me and my family my ‘WHY’ — why I do what I do, why I continue to love my profession, why I continue to further my professional development, why I want to further my education, why I want to give the families and students I have the opportunity to serve the BEST ME, why I have been in my position for 10 years in two months. I could go on and on about my whys.

— participating teacher

The supplement relieves the financial burden, which has meant I have more head space, energy and a willingness to devote more of my time and resources to my children. I want to make sure I am being the best teacher they could possibly have.

— participating teacher

This program has given me the confidence to fulfill my educational requirements and is something that was simply not feasible before, considering my lack of financial resources. I am sure others are very appreciative of this program. The children in my care are also seeing the benefits of this program as I am applying what I am learning directly to the center.

— participating director

The Child Care WAGE$® Program is important because child care staff are underpaid. It allows quality teachers to be able to add resources to their classroom, continue education and meet the needs of their households. Sometimes our paychecks just go towards our bills, and we also spend quite a bit on things our students or classrooms need. The WAGE$ Program helps us replace some of that money so we can survive. Thank you so much!

— participating teacher

The WAGE$ Program is a huge help financially. It alleviates stress that I didn’t realize was snowballing into my classroom… I think there are many people out there who would agree that teachers are underpaid. It is helpful to feel appreciated and have the decreased financial burden.

— participating teacher

The WAGE$ Program is important because it helps to boost my morale as an overwhelmed teacher. It means that I am seen as a valuable asset to the community, family and child.

— participating teacher

The WAGE$ program helps me know my worth.

— participating teacher

The WAGE$ Program is important because it rewards those teachers who have a passion to teach. It makes you happy, more confident and secure in knowing that you’re making a difference in the lives of the students that are in your care.

— participating teacher

Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® always seems to come right on time. It helps me to stay in infant-toddler care. It motivates me to keep going, helps me to realize that somebody cares, and shows that infant and toddler teachers are not forgotten.

— participating teacher

This supplement increases teacher pay, which of course helps to retain qualified early educators. This addition to their salary helps teachers earn more because they deserve more! The children benefit from a higher paid teacher in too many ways to count. Happy teachers equal happy kids!

— participating director

The Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® supplement has certainly helped with staff retention. The extra money that my teachers are receiving sometimes makes the difference between them staying at our center or leaving the early childhood education field altogether.

— participating director

Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® is a wonderful incentive that encourages infant-toddler caregivers to continue working in their positions and to contribute to more meaningful relationships with the children and families they care for.

— participating teacher

Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® is very important to me, it helps to ease my financial situation. Child care centers benefit because it helps them to retain staff for longer periods of time. The children benefit because they continue to have the same teachers, which helps them to feel comfortable, to bond with them, and feel secure, happy and safe. I love knowing that I can count on extra financial support.

— participating teacher

Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® encourages me to continue my education. It helps me gain the knowledge I need to be a better teacher.

— participating teacher

The program has encouraged staff to pursue more education. The children will have more educated teachers and they will be less likely to seek other employment. Children will have more continuity of care.

— participating director

Honestly, this program is simply the best! I am more motivated to be the best teacher I can be and I encourage others to continue working towards their goals of receiving their degree… Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® has made me feel as if I do make a difference in my place of work and in the lives of the children and families I give care to. It means a lot, knowing someone appreciates what I have a heart’s desire to do and is supportive of me through this program.

— participating teacher

Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® is very important because those who can’t always help themselves with school or purchasing the necessary materials now get the help they desperately need. I am thankful for AWARD$. It has been a blessing to me.

— participating teacher

This supplement has increased the morale of the teachers and assisted them in furthering their education. Better morale and education cause the teachers to be better for the children in my program. I am well pleased with the results of this supplement.

— participating director

The TA Specialist’s experience was invaluable for our staff and her approach meshed so well with everyone. I found her very knowledgeable and appreciated that she kept communication open, worked with each teacher individually to meet their needs, and demonstrated respect for all.

— Head Start Education Coordinator, Orange County

I couldn’t have achieved NAEYC Accreditation without the CCSA TA Accreditation Specialist. I don’t feel personally that is a goal I would have been able to obtain for myself or my staff if I hadn’t had the help from Child Care Services Association.

— Director of Preston Academy, Wake County

Through TA services I understand more of why age-appropriate toys, books, proper training, language is important to the development of the children in my care. In preparation for the scales this year my TA ensured that I had the appropriate materials and practices to continue having a quality child care program.

— Owner of Kyra’s Place Home Away from Home, Durham County

Support from a CCSA TA Specialist was the best thing that could have happened…she was there for me.

— Owner of Little Dreamers Home Day Care, Wake County

The Technical Assistance Program provides an invaluable resource to center directors like me who are relatively isolated in our schools. To have our TA’s fresh eyes, new ideas and attention to detail required by the scales and DCDEE, helped me to maintain a 5-star and renewed our entire staff’s commitment to providing the highest possible quality care for young children.

— Director of Lakewood Ave., Durham County

TA Specialists are the bridge between the different components of child care. We’re resources. What we don’t know we’ll figure out together — working in partnership.

— Beverly Williams, TA Specialist