Business Details
Early Childhood Education Training Experts
Leaps & Bounds is a dedicated nonprofit agency committed to advancing equitable society through comprehensive support for early childhood educators and parents. Since our inception, we have focused on delivering high-quality training programs, professional development opportunities, and resource services designed to enhance childcare practices. Our team of certified professionals specializes in early childhood education, offering evidence-based training modules developed through Instructional Design methodologies. We hold prestigious accreditations, including the CDA Gold Standard Award from the Council for Professional Recognition, and serve as a registered provider for Michigan's Great Start to Quality initiative.With a presence in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, we provide both virtual and in-person training sessions, lending libraries, and quality improvement coaching. Our organization has consistently demonstrated expertise through measurable outcomes, including record-breaking CDA credential completions and partnerships with state agencies. We maintain transparent operations through annual audits and public reporting while upholding strict ethical standards in all our community engagements.
Services
CDA Training
Great Start to Quality Support
ECE Career Center
Instructional Design
Resource Center
Highlights and features
- We offer CDA Gold Standard-certified training programs with proven success metrics
- Our team includes Instructional Design-certified professionals with 40+ hours of specialized training
- We provide free professional development resources and lending libraries
- Specialized support for Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County childcare providers
- Combination of virtual and in-person training options for maximum accessibility
Associations and certifications
- Council for Professional Recognition (CDA Gold Standard Award)
What people say
Engaging and inspiring training
Valuable resources provided
Improved observation skills
Practical classroom applications
Supportive learning environment
Services
CDA Training
Our CDA credentialing program offers comprehensive virtual training through Zoom and Google Classroom. Participants receive personalized support for preschool, infant/toddler, or family childcare credentials. The program includes live interactive sessions and has produced record credential completions.
Great Start Support
We guide childcare providers through Michigan's Great Start to Quality rating system. Services include professional development, quality improvement coaching, and resource lending libraries containing books and educational materials for providers in three counties.
ECE Career Center
This center provides free state-approved training modules for early childhood educators. Over 70 sessions cover health/safety, early literacy, and behavior management. Training formats include in-person workshops and virtual Zoom sessions meeting licensing requirements.
Instructional Design
Our certified instructional designers create effective adult learning experiences. The 80-hour certification process ensures training modules maximize knowledge retention through evidence-based design principles applied to all our educational programs.
Resource Center
Lending libraries provide books, educational toys, and professional development materials. The center supports educators with physical resources and digital tools to implement training concepts directly in classroom settings.
People
Denise Dorsz
Executive Director
With extensive nonprofit leadership experience, Denise directs all operations and strategic initiatives. She oversees program development and maintains organizational alignment with the mission to advance equitable childcare practices.
Katrina Stewart
CDA Director
As CDA program leader, Katrina manages credentialing initiatives and training delivery. She ensures program compliance with national standards while maintaining the Gold Standard certification from the Council for Professional Recognition.
Julie Lemay
ECE PD Specialist
Julie delivers professional development training and contributes to instructional design. Her expertise in early childhood education helps shape practical training modules that directly improve classroom practices.
Paige Henning
ECE PD Specialist
Paige specializes in creating effective adult learning experiences through instructional design. She contributes to developing training programs that balance theoretical knowledge with practical classroom applications.
Carol Tresik
Resource Center Director
Carol manages the Wayne Oakland Macomb Resource Center operations. She coordinates quality improvement services and serves as primary contact for providers seeking Great Start to Quality support.
Questions
What childcare training programs do you offer?
We provide CDA credentialing, Great Start to Quality navigation, and over 70 professional development topics including early literacy, behavior management, and STEM education for early childhood educators.
Are your training sessions available online?
Yes, we offer virtual training through Zoom and Google Classroom platforms while maintaining state licensing requirements for all participants.
How can I get Great Start to Quality support?
Childcare providers in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb counties can contact our Resource Center Director for free professional development and rating system guidance.
Do you provide educational materials for educators?
Our lending libraries offer books, educational toys, and professional development resources available to all registered childcare providers in our service areas.
