WC Students Get No Cost Credits Through Dual Enrollment with Dyersburg State

TECTA PARTNERSHIP – (From left) Career and Technical Education Director Lindsey Parham, Dresden High School students Autumn Brackett and Tilley Hopper, and DHS Human Studies Instructor Pat Phillips are all involved with the TECTA partnership with Dyersburg State.[/caption]

Weakley County Schools students are on their way to earning a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for the first time through dual enrollment with Dyersburg State this school year – at no cost to the student.

Dresden High and Westview High dual enrollment students can earn a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) thanks to the High School Equivalency Program through the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance partnership with our district. The courses are facilitated through dual enrollment with Dyersburg State Community College.

Obtaining the industry valued CDA credential leads to high quality employability and better opportunities in the professional childcare sector.

Students in the TECTA High School Equivalency Program work toward earning the credential directly from their high school classrooms in a hybrid of online coursework and practical application in a childcare setting. Typically enrolling their freshmen year, students work toward eligibility to earn the credential in tandem with regular coursework throughout their high school career.

By earning the credential while in high school, students can more easily transition into the workforce or post-secondary degree attainment with the required education and experience. The program’s course load includes a TECTA gateway course, credential prep courses, portfolio, 480 hours of professional work experience, and the CDA exam.

Tilley Hopper and Autumn Brackett, Dresden High School students enrolled in TECTA, said that the program has advantages.

“It’s great that the program lets me use what I’m learning as I learn it. I work for a daycare for a couple of hours after school. It’s interesting to work on something in class and later watch it come to life at my job that day. I’m a hands-on, visual learner, so it is beneficial to be able to make that direct connection in action,” said Hopper.

“I like that I can earn the CDA credential and get a job in the field while I’m considering what else I’d like to do in the future,” said Brackett.

Director of Schools Randy Frazier said he is grateful for the chance to help grow students.

“The TECTA Program is a fantastic opportunity for students. This is another great example of how partnerships can result in the most unique collaborations with rewards for all involved. Investing in students who then invest in future students is a full circle in which everyone benefits. We are thankful for the continued support of our local, regional, and state partners in education,” said Frazier.

TECTA is a statewide early childhood professional development system collaborative that is facilitated through various universities and colleges across the state, and the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Enrollees who complete the program can receive tuition support, scholarships, and/or assistance in earning additional credentials and degrees.

For information about the TECTA Program in Weakley County Schools, contact Human Studies Instructors Pat Phillips at Dresden High School or Lauren Freeman at Westview High School.