THERE ARE MANY PDO STUDENT SUPERSTARS IN OUR MIDST. One of them is Ana Arteaga, who completed CDA coursework in 2023 through PennAEYC, and earned a CDA Credential in spring 2024. Thanks to Jennifer Granitz, Ana’s very supportive director at the Follow Me Chris an Early Education Center in Harrisburg, Ana was able to join the ECEPDO@PASSHE team at the recent Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) conference. Ana received warm applause from the audience as she shared her journey along her career pathway in early childhood. “My teacher [Dr. Marisel Torres-Crespo] taught the classes in Spanish; that was so helpful! Also, I really appreciated the support I got from my PD Coordinator, Rueben, and my director, Jen. They made it possible,” she shared. Whle she is fluent in English, Spanish is Ana’s first language. PD Coordinator Rueben Ransom joins Ana Arteaga as she shares her ECE journey at the recent Born in Mexico City, Ana immigrated to America when she was 12 years-old and originally lived in Chicago before moving to south-central Pennsylvania. When a friend introduced her to the early childhood field, this mother of three knew it was where she could do good work and find personal and professional satisfaction.

A lead teacher of toddlers, Ana has worked at Follow Me Chris an Early Education Center for the past seven years. “I love it so much. There are children at the Center who speak English, Spanish, Arabic, and French. They learn so quickly and are little sponges. We all learn from each other,” she said. Ana balanced her work at the Center with her CDA coursework and home life; she acknowledges it wasn’t always easy, but has been well worth it. “I especially liked learning about children’s social and emotional development. It helps me understand them and what is appropriate for their ages,” she added. Ana is determined to impart the value of education to her own family, pictured here. Image is courtesy of Ana Arteaga. Ana would like to continue her education through the PDO and set an example for her own children about the importance and value of continual learning. “I am so thankful for all the support and encouragement from everyone. Thank you so much!” The ECEPDO@PASSHE is so proud of Ana for her perseverance and achievements. The children in her care benefit from her warmth, dedication, and education.