BCBDD Developmental Specialist II Earns Level 3 Professional Early Childhood Inclusion Credential

The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD), Erica Thomas, a Developmental Specialist II with 10 years of dedicated service to the organization, successfully obtained the Level 3 Professional Early Childhood Inclusion Credential (PECIC).

Erica began her career journey at the American Red Cross, fresh out of college, working with families facing natural and man-made disasters, as well as military families. She later transitioned to working with first-time moms through the Butler County Educational Service Center.

“My passion has always been the service and support of families in the communities we serve,” Erica said. “My first introduction to the BCBDD Early Intervention was through services for my child, who was a 27-week-old preemie and now is almost 16 years old and a junior in high school!”

The PECIC is a key component of the Ohio Promise initiative, which aims to Promote Resources, Opportunities, and Meaningful Inclusion through Support and Education (PROMISE). This credential was developed by the Ohio State Leadership Team on Early Childhood, a collaborative group of state agency and organization professionals. It works to improve early childhood education programs in Ohio by identifying and implementing high-quality inclusion indicators.

The certification provides access to additional evidence-based resources. The goal is to support children with disabilities and advocate for inclusion among their peers in classrooms and communities through the Early Intervention program.

There are three inclusion credential levels offered, beginning with understanding, moving to knowledge, and a third level focused on application of universal practices to support all young children across early care and education environments.

With Erica completing all three of the credential levels, she can now provide, at an advanced level, increased coaching, resources, and support to families whose children receive Early Intervention services, especially those in a daycare or school setting.

“For me, obtaining this certification was important because it gave me access to additional evidence-based resources to support Butler County children with disabilities and help advocate for inclusion among their peers in the classroom, with their friends, and neighbors in their communities through our Early Intervention program so they can thrive wherever they live, learn, and play.”

Congratulations, Erica, on this accomplishment! We are excited to see the valuable impact your enhanced skills and knowledge will have on the children and families we serve!

Learn more about the Ohio PROMISE Professional Early Childhood Credentials by visiting the OCCRRA website!