At The Heart's Louisiana Ancillary Program

What is an Ancillary Certificate?

The Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate (ECAC) is a professional credential issued by the Louisiana Department of Education. It is a state requirement for lead teachers in Type III licensed child care centers. Since July 2019, all new lead teachers are required to earn this certificate within 24 months of their start date.

Our program, At The Heart of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, is a BESE-approved ECAC program that prepares you to meet these requirements while advancing your career in early childhood education.

About Our Program

Comprehensive Training

  • 120 hours of training focused on early childhood education principles.
  • 30 hours of applied practice to put your learning into action.

Exceptional Support

  • Two CLASS observations to strengthen teacher-child interactions.
  • CDA portfolio coaching, including guidance on creating a professional portfolio for the CDA assessment.

Convenience

  • Fully remote learning environment with provided materials.
  • Access to live webinars, professional development training, and exclusive resources through our Early Learning Academy.

No Cost to You

  • Our program is funded by the Pathways Ancillary Scholarship, ensuring no financial burden for participants who qualify.
  • Private pay option available to those that are not eligible for scholarship

Testimonials

  • "This [program] has been fundamental to my growth; it especially helped me improve my teaching skills and gave me the necessary tools to face challenges in my work field with greater confidence."

    Liliana G.

  • "Thank you [At The Heart] so much for helping, teaching, and guiding me to this achievement,  it truly means a lot to me!"

    Bailey M.

  • "This [program] has been an incredibly supportive and enriching experience. The guidance, structure, and encouragement have helped strengthen my confidence and skills as an early childhood educator while keeping children’s development and well being at the center of everything."

    Tamara C.

Pathways Ancillary Scholarship

The Pathways Ancillary Scholarship covers the full cost of your training. To qualify:

  1. Enroll in Louisiana Pathways: Be an active participant in the Early Learning Center Career Development System.
  2. Employment Requirement: Work part-time (16 hours/week) or full-time as a lead or assistant teacher in a Type III center. (Employees of a Type I or Type II are typically not eligible.)
  3. No Equivalent Credentials: Ensure you don’t already hold a qualifying degree or certificate.
  4. For Teaching Assistants: Submit an assurance letter stating your eligibility to become a lead teacher upon program completion.

To confirm your center’s Type III status, visit Louisiana Schools.

Program Highlights

  • 144 Clock Hours

    Covering all CDA® subject areas over a 6-month timeline.

  • CDA Assessment Prep

    Includes an online test and 3-hour observation by a CDA® Council PD Specialist.

  • Career Growth

    Be eligible for lead teacher positions and other opportunities in early childhood education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

To be eligible for our Ancillary Certificate Program, you must:

  • Work a minimum of 16 hours per week in an Early Learning Center.
  • Hold a high school degree or equivalent.
  • Be employed as a lead teacher, assistant teacher, or director in an Early Learning Center.
  • Be enrolled or eligible to enroll in the Louisiana Pathways Early Learning Center Career Development System.

What is the cost?

  • For Teachers in Type III Centers: Tuition is free through the Louisiana Pathways Ancillary Certificate Program Scholarship.
  • For Self-Paying Candidates: We offer flexible payment options. For pricing details, please contact us directly.

What do I need to apply?

To complete your application, you’ll need:

  1. Complete the interest form for the upcoming cohort.
  2. A high school diploma or GED.
  3. A completed Pathways Verification of Employment Form.
  4. A completed Pathways Enrollment Form.
  5. A completed Pathways Scholarship Application form (to those eligible).

All forms to be completed will be provided after you have filled out the interest form.

Do I need to be working in a Type III center to be eligible for the Pathways scholarship?

Yes, participants must be employed at least part-time at a Type III licensed center. Teaching assistants will need an assurance letter confirming eligibility for lead teacher roles.

What materials are provided?

All learning materials, observation tools, and portfolio resources are provided to participants at no cost.

How long is the program?

The program spans approximately 6 months, designed for convenience alongside your work schedule.

What is the CDA Credential Assessment Fee Scholarship?

The Louisiana Pathways Scholarship Program covers the cost of the CDA Credential assessment. This scholarship supports early care and education practitioners by recognizing the CDA Credential as a meaningful and valid certification of competency in the field.

Get in touch with us today!