CD2 was established to build a seamless approach to training and producing early childhood professionals from the high school level to the doctoral level within the existing educational system, by:

• Developing High School Career Academies as a means to graduate with a CDA to then either enter into (a) the field of Early Childhood care directly and productively, (b) an Associates Degree program at a local Community College, or (c) a Bachelor’s Degree program at the local State University.

• Developing and aligning the course structure and degree programs of the Community College and locally based State University so there is a seamless matriculation from Associates Degree to Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree (and potentially Doctoral Degree) in Early Childhood.

• Organizing a scholarship program to fund substitutes so that caregivers can take advantage of professional development without detracting from the integrity of the care given to the children and families in their charge.

While Palm Beach Community College, Florida Atlantic University, the School District of Palm Beach County, the Education Commission of Palm Beach County, and the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County will be taking the lead roles in implementing this initiative, all organizations and agencies directly involved with, or impacted by, early childhood in Palm Beach County are invited to participate and partner.

It is our belief that with the help of nationally recognized partners like the Wheelock Institute and the Mailman Foundation we will have the potential for developing a replicable model for career development in early childhood and school age education.