Scholarship Funds Available for BBMA Employees Pursuing a CDA or College Degree
Atlanta (April 12, 2023) — Big Blue Marble Academy (BBMA) has partnered with StraighterLine and ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) to offer the BBMA Pathways Program, providing an accessible professional development and education benefit for early childhood learning professionals. The program aims to help train the next generation of lead teachers and administrators by offering scholarship funds for BBMA employees to pursue a Child Development Associate ® (CDA) certification or a college degree. BBMA Scholars who want to pursue a college degree may choose from over 60 StraighterLine courses, which can be transferred to a degree program of their choice. The program’s preferred education pathway partners include American College of Education, Purdue University Global and Northeast Lakeview College. Students may also transfer their credits to one of StraighterLine’s 150+ accredited colleges and universities partners that guarantee credit transfer. "At Big Blue Marble Academy we are committed to providing children the opportunity to reach their highest potential, and we want the same for our employees," said Jeff Wahl, CEO of Big Blue Marble Academy. "We are proud to partner with StraighterLine and CCEI in offering this exciting opportunity for our employees to further their education and advance in their careers.” One of the benefits of taking online courses through StraighterLine is the ability for students to work at their own pace with no homework deadlines, giving them the flexibility they need to achieve work-school-life balance. In addition, students who take courses through StraighterLine receive wraparound student support including free eTextbooks, live student support, and 24/7 free on-demand tutoring and writing help online. BBMA employees also have the opportunity to pursue a Child Development Associate ® (CDA) certification through CCEI, a StraighterLine company. Through the credential training program employees can build a professional foundation and strengthen their skills to prepare for a career in early childhood education. The CCEI CDA certificate program of study aligns to the CDA credentialing process as established by the Council for Professional Recognition. “With a nationwide teacher shortage, the need to train future educators is great, but for those working in early childhood education, it can be difficult to find the time and money to go back to school to earn additional credentials or obtain a degree,” said Dr. Amy Smith, Chief Learning Officer for StraighterLine. “Big Blue Marble Academy is to be commended for stepping up in a major way to support their employees with an affordable and flexible way to achieve their career goals.” For more information about the Big Blue Marble Academy pathway program, email [email protected]. ###
About Big Blue Marble Academy
Big Blue Marble Academy operates 55 schools providing early care, preschool, after-school care, and summer camp for children ages six weeks to twelve years. BBMA nurtures little minds through a robust preschool curriculum that ensures children are developmentally, socially, and emotionally prepared for kindergarten and beyond. Its emphasis on global awareness and character development teaches children invaluable lessons, growing big hearts that are ready and eager to take on the world. Visit www.bbmacademy.com for more information.
About StraighterLine
StraighterLine is the leading provider of high-quality, affordable, online courses that help learners earn college credit and meet their professional goals. Each year, 150,000 learners take one of StraighterLine’s 215 courses to upskill into new careers or earn credit from over 2,000 colleges and universities worldwide. StraighterLine works with institutions and corporate partners to provide their students and employees with flexible education options that allow them to work and learn at their own pace. Visit www.straighterline.com for more information.
About ChildCare Education Institute, A StraighterLine Company
ChildCare Education Institute®, provides high-quality, distance education certificates and child care training programs in an array of child care settings, including preschool centers, family child care, prekindergarten classrooms, nanny care, online daycare training and more. Over 200+ English and Spanish child care training courses are available online to meet licensing, recognition program, and Head Start Requirements. CCEI also has online certification programs that provide the coursework requirement for national credentials including the CDA, Director and Early Childhood Credentials. CCEI, a Council for Professional Recognition approved training partner, is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and is accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Visit www.cceionline.com for more information.
