PCC, MHCC Launch Collaborative CDA Program To Train Next Generation Of Preschool Teachers (Photo) -07/29/25
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College and Mt. Hood Community College have collaborated on a 12-month program to help build the local workforce of preschool educators.
The Child Development Associate: Preschool (CDA) Program, with support from the Child Care Resource and Referral of Multnomah County (CCR&R), WorkSource Portland Metro and WorkSource Gresham, is a 12-month certificate designed to equip students with the essential skills, training, and support needed to become effective preschool educators. The program blends PCC’s workforce preparation courses with MHCC’s Vocational English for Speakers of Other Languages (VESL) instruction, using an Integrated Education and Training (IET) model and CCR&R providing the CDA training courses.
A key part of this support is WorkSource Gresham providing a dedicated Career Pathways Specialist for the recruitment, intake, ongoing support, support services, and regular check-in's with all of the students and a VESL instructor at MHCC and PCC.
“This flexible, part-time program is tailored to meet the needs of busy students, providing wrap-around academic, employment, and support services throughout the journey,” said Bryan Jones, PCC’s manager of Career Pathways & STEP programs. “It is demanding, but it truly prepares students for a successful teaching career. Students graduate ready to enter the workforce and grow in the field.”
A key highlight is the program’s real-world application. Students complete 480 hours of hands-on fieldwork in preschool or in-home childcare settings, reinforced by paid internships through PCC’s Opportunity Center PDX Metro Works program. These internships allow students to earn income while gaining professional experience in early childhood education.
“By leveraging local and state expertise and resources, the program is designed to meet the specific needs of our region, while offering a portable national credential to students,” said Kristen Kulongoski, Manager for Adult Basic Skills and Career Pathways at MHCC. “It also establishes a long-term educational and career pathway for both new and current early childhood education professionals.”
Participants also benefit from one-on-one support through Career Pathways, Workforce Gresham & STEP coaches at both colleges.
Upon completion, graduates earn a national CDA certification that is recognized and portable across states.
The graduates begin their careers with competitive wages ranging from $17–$19 per hour, with opportunities to earn up to $22 per hour in full-time positions. The program also provides a clear pathway to continued studies in early childhood education. After completing the program, they can continue their education and career pathway in an early childhood education degree program of their choice.
For more information on STEP and Career Pathways at PCC, visit https://www.pcc.edu/career-pathways/
About Mt. Hood Community College: MHCC offers a variety of unique, flexible education options to a highly diverse student body. Situated in the beautiful foothills of Mt. Hood, we empower students to accomplish short- and long-term goals with regionally unique degree programs, public classes and events, high-contact advising, and an array of resources for students’ basic needs. As a community hub for cultural, economic, recreational, and intellectual enrichment, we’re committed to advancing equity, building responsible partnerships, and supporting every student’s personal and professional growth. Visit our website to learn more about how we Elevate student success at www.mhcc.edu/.
About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 53,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.
Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/
For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.