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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee Nation employees Cindy Dotson and Charlotte Crabtree recently received their Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials in recognition of outstanding work with young children.

“We are very proud of our staff,” said Verna Thompson, director of Cherokee Nation Early Childhood Unit, where Dotson and Crabtree work. “I am proud that the staff is making a commitment to increase their knowledge and skills, which in turn will improve the quality of care the children in our program will receive.”

Caregivers, with CDA certification, work to nurture children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework.

Dotson has been employed with Cherokee Nation since May 2002. She earned her CDA for working with infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. She graduated in April from Carl Albert University with an associate’s degree in child development. Dotson resides in Stilwell with her husband, Denny, and they have eight children and nine grandchildren.

“I am pleased to receive this award,” Dotson said. “I received my first CDA for working with pre-schoolers back in 1994. This is my second CDA, and it is for working with infants and toddlers.”

Crabtree has been with the Cherokee Nation since April 2002. She earned her CDA for working with infants and toddlers. Crabtree resides in Sallisaw with her husband, Floyd.

“I’m proud to know I accomplished what it took to receive the award,” Crabtree said. “It took two years to do it.”

The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C., which represents the early childhood profession, awarded the credentials to the staff.

Related contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org