Employment

The Career & Family Coaching Institute (CFCI)

The Odyssey Career & Family Coaching Institute (CFCI) empowers individuals to launch careers in Early Childhood Education (ECE) by providing hands-on experience, professional development, and personalized support. Our 14-week paid CDA program is designed to meet participants where they are—offering a structured yet flexible path to earning their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and securing full-time employment in the field.

What the Program Offers:

  • Hands-on Training & Paid Experience
    Participants gain real-world classroom experience working with toddlers and preschoolers while receiving bi-weekly pay throughout the program.

  • Comprehensive Certification Support
    To earn a CDA, participants must complete 120 hours of online coursework and 480 hours of in-person classroom training. We provide the guidance and resources needed to help them succeed.

  • Personalized Mentorship & Bilingual Support
    Every participant is paired with a bilingual coordinator who offers weekly one-on-one advising, translation assistance, and critical resources such as housing, childcare, food security, and emotional support—ensuring that each individual can thrive personally and professionally.

  • Engaging Learning Community
    Weekly in-person classes create an opportunity for group discussions, peer support, and mentorship from experienced Early Childhood Educators.

Who We Serve:

CFCI primarily supports parents and individuals in the Norwalk community who are passionate about early childhood education. The program maintains an average class size of 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and support.

What Participants Receive:

To set participants up for success, we provide essential materials, including:

  • Laptops & WiFi hotspots

  • CDA Council books (Preschool & Toddler)

  • Organizational supplies (binders, folders, tabs, and portfolio protectors)

At CFCI, we break down barriers to career advancement by offering a clear, supported pathway into early childhood education. From the moment participants walk through our doors, they receive the tools, training, and mentorship needed to build a brighter future for themselves and the children they teach.

Contact

For more information, contact:
Wendy Lopez
CFCI Coordinator
wlopez@odysseyfec.org