Childcare Resources Celebrates Spring Higher Education Program Graduates

Amanda Wolfe, Zulma Gonzalez, Davie Peek, Tatum Auguste, Stephanie Calogero, Kristina Iiams, and Michelle Baldwin celebrate the end of a successful year in the Higher Education Program. These dedicated early educators serve children and families at Childcare Resources, Head Start (Douglas and Citrus), and Oceans Christian Academy.

Childcare Resources of Indian River recently celebrated the accomplishments of local early childhood educators completing its Higher Education Program. At a special gathering held in May, graduates were honored for earning credentials and degrees that will advance their careers and strengthen the quality of early education in Indian River County.

During the celebration, Childcare Resources recognized seven spring graduates who earned the Florida Child Care Professional Credential and one who achieved a Bachelor of Science degree. An additional three participants are on track to complete their Associate of Science degrees this summer.

Higher Education Program graduates Yenni Kristianson (L) and Kristina Iiams (R) are grateful to Childcare Resources for the opportunity to grow professionally and advance their careers through continued education.

“Earning my early childhood degree gave me pride and renewed my passion for teaching,” says Kristina Iiams, an early educator at Citrus Head Start. “The support from Childcare Resources meant everything. They believed in me, guided me, and celebrated each step.”

The Higher Education Program is designed specifically to support early childhood educators, offering flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals. Tuition assistance is made possible through the TEACH Early Childhood Scholarship Program, and students benefit from partnerships with accredited colleges and universities throughout Florida.

“This program is not just about individual achievement, it’s about elevating the profession of early childhood education as a whole,” says Shannon McGuire Bowman, Executive Director of Childcare Resources. “We are incredibly proud of these educators who have committed themselves to learning and growth while continuing to support the children in our community every day.”

With each graduating class, the program continues to help build a stronger, better-prepared, early education workforce—one that ensures children have the foundation they need for lifelong success.