Rasmussen College & Knowledge Universe Celebrate 1,000th CDA Graduate

Coleen Jarrett-Walker was lucky number 1,000.

When Jarrett-Walker, 36, traveled with her two children from Jamaica to America in December 1999, she wasn’t sure going back to school was the right decision. She was worried she wouldn’t be able to accomplish her goal or that classes would be too difficult.

But she started working for Knowledge Universe (KU) in 2012 as a lead teacher in the Discovery Preschool classroom, and the company helped Jarrett-Walker obtain the confidence she needed to pursue her dream of returning to school. She graduated from Rasmussen College this year with a child development associate (CDA) certification and is looking toward pursuing her early childhood education associate degree.

“I truly believe that everything in life happens for a reason, and that there is a time and place for everything,” Jarrett-Walker said.

Knowledge Universe has more than 30,000 employees who impact more than 300,000 students every day. The teachers and staff work at early childhood institutions like KinderCare, CCLC or Champions.

Rasmussen College’s fully online KU CDA preparation program allows KU employees to earn 12 college credits in three core courses (foundation of child development, curriculum instruction and health, safety and nutrition) that prepares students for the CDA credential. These individuals must know and understand their program, have a specific amount of educational hours in a licensed center and be validated by a professional from the CDA Council to earn their credential.

“Knowledge Universe truly supports education, not only by preparing its employees for the CDA credential, but allowing them to gain college credit as well,” said Mary Muhs, Rasmussen College Dean of Education.

Employees who earn a CDA credential often decide to pursue an early childhood education associate degree next. Those who already have an associate degree might decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in leadership

“The partnership between the two entities really helps KU employees who are nervous about attending school or that don’t want to jump into school,” Muhs said. “We can dispel that by taking it one step at a time, and this allows the students that really need that time to take that time.”

“I’m extremely happy with the support I got from Knowledge Universe, and how much the classes at Rasmussen College prepared me for my CDA,” Jarrett-Walker said.

Are you interested in learning more about earning an early childhood education degree? Check out what you’ll learn and what your courses would look like.