LPS students celebrate launch of new CDA program at TCA

January 14, 2026

Lincoln Public Schools students are leaping into their future careers through a series of new early childhood classes at The Career Academy.
 
Students, teachers and community partners gathered at TCA this fall to celebrate the launch of the child development associate (CDA) program. The adjusted pathway allows LPS students to participate in the early childhood initiative. They will also receive opportunities to take part in internships through the Lincoln Littles organization.
 
Autumn said she has enjoyed learning about the early childhood profession through the CDA courses. She said TCA Director Josh Jones was instrumental in alerting her about the opportunity. She is interested in working at an early childhood facility like a daycare after she graduates from Lincoln High.
 
“I’m so thankful that Josh actually came and talked to me about it and got me in the program, because I really love it,” Autumn said.

Jones said it is exciting to watch community relationships thrive through programs like the CDA initiative. In addition to Lincoln Littles, professionals from many local daycares have lent their support to students. They hosted field trips during the first semester and encouraged them at the celebratory event.
 
“Our students benefit every time they visit with a community partner either here on campus or on a field trip,” Jones said. “They get a lot out of the experiences that they have. At the same time, our community partners benefit because they get to see how amazing our students are and learn about the types of skills that they will bring to the workforce. It creates a symbiotic relationship that is good for everyone.”

 
TCA teachers Makayla Watson and Jame Cartwright teamed up to help the CDA program’s first members earn micro-credentials during the fall semester. They taught foundational principles of early childhood education to students from five LPS high schools and programs.
 
“Our goal is that they get the same experience as what other children would get in the same or in a similar pathway,” Watson said. “It’s really just making sure that they’re able to see that this is successful and we can help you outside of school. This is what’s kind of leading them into making that a successful jump for them once they graduate.”
 
Lincoln Littles Associate Director Suzanne Schneider said she was encouraged by what she saw during the evening. She said the event provided a place for students, families and childcare businesses to make career-building links with each other.
 
“This event was a wonderful way to not only celebrate the launch of the CDA at TCA, but to also celebrate the successes of the students participating in this event,” Schneider said. “The support from the families of the students was so impressive. Including the childcare programs that are partnering for practicum experiences was a great way to help the students and staff from those childcare programs connect and begin to build relationships.”
 
The idea for the CDA program at TCA began in February 2025. Preparations continued in earnest throughout the summer and led to the first classes in August. Watson and Cartwright prepared multiple lessons about healthy and safe learning environments in early childhood settings. They also arranged for students to attend educational field trips to Lincoln-based daycare facilities.
 
Watson said she and Cartwright have enjoyed watching the first CDA students learn how local daycare facilities operate. After one of their field trips, they overheard class members talking about getting a job at that business once they graduated from high school. Watson said those types of confidence-displaying moments have been meaningful to witness.

 
“It’s been fun watching them grow and blossom,” Watson said. “They actually are starting to really build connections with different daycares.”
 
Schneider said she heard similar positive comments from many childcare representatives who were at the celebration. The daycare leaders remembered students from their visits and complimented them about their knowledge and professionalism. The facilities will work with the class during more immersive practicums throughout the spring semester.
 
“The childcare program staff were so impressed by the students and what the students have been learning,” Schneider said. “That knowledge will be valuable as they step into classrooms with children. I left the event feeling inspired and energized.”
 
Autumn said the CDA program has made a major impact on her life. She has enjoyed talking with her classmates and getting an early glimpse of her future career. She is thankful that TCA teachers and administrators created the pathway.
 
“It has helped me make better friends and helped me be confident in my work,” Autumn said.
 
Autumn said she is proud of her choice to enter the early childhood profession. She is eager to play a firsthand role in the critical years of social, emotional and behavioral development in children.
 
“We need more people to shape the young minds of our future,” Autumn said.
 
Watson said the bright reactions she has seen this semester have made her even more enthusiastic about expanding the program in future years. She felt the initiative would help many CDA graduates make successful leaps into childcare areas.
 
“I’m really proud of the kids,” Watson said. “I’m really proud of the progress that we’ve made, and I think it’s really benefiting the community.”
 
See how community collaboration empowers LPS students to find their futures. The Career Academy is an example of this type of partnership with several career pathways. Explore The Career Academy.
 
Do you have a story idea? Share it with the LPS Communications Team by filling out this form!

---