Three STEP (Solutions That Empower People), Inc. staff members recently earned professional certifications, increasing their expertise in their career fields.

Early Head Start Infant/Toddler Teachers Rachel Cadou of Rocky Mount and Belinda Simmons of Boones Mill each received Infant Toddler Care Career Studies Certificate from Patrick Henry Community College recently. This 16-credit program includes courses in early childhood education, infant and toddler settings and programs, and health, safety and nutrition.

Early Head Start infant/toddler teachers are responsible for maintaining appropriate classroom activities and environment so children may learn effectively. Teachers plan daily and long-range lesson and classroom activities, according to specified curriculums. Children in Early Head Start range in age from infants through age 3.

Doris Fain of Stuart, senior services director earned a Meals on Wheels Leadership Academy Certificate. Earning the certification demonstrates an increased knowledge in the area of nutrition and a commitment to leadership, according to Meals on Wheels America. As director of the Seniors Services program, Fain oversees the home-delivered and congregate (group) meals programs provided through STEP to qualified senior citizens in Franklin and Patrick counties.

STEP (Solutions That Empower People) is a community action agency with services in Franklin and Patrick counties, and Bedford, Martinsville and Danville. Services include Early Head Start and Head Start; youth services (LIFES Academy and Project Discovery); senior services (Meals on Wheels, transportation); supportive services (re-entry, homelessness prevention); housing and weatherization; and financial services (tax preparation assistance, financial education, individual development accounts).

STEP’s mission is to empower people to overcome barriers to economic, educational and developmental success within the communities it serves.