Quick Links
Early Childhood Education
Child Development Associate, Certificate
Program Design
The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential training program is a two-semester, 12-credit program for child care teachers who want to enhance their professional skills and learn more about the development of young children. The program emphasizes practical information that can be used in working with young children. Students learn how to observe children and plan developmentally appropriate activities and to design safe, healthy learning environments. They learn to work effectively with families, and to support and encourage children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development.
Curriculum
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements to take the CDA certificate program: They must be 18 years of age; hold a high school diploma or GED; be currently employed or regularly volunteer in a state licensed child care program; meet state immunization requirements; and successfully complete an interview with the CDA program coordinator.
Required Courses |
||
| ECE* 222 | Methods and Techniques in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE* 103 | Creative Experiences/Children | 3 |
| ECE* 290 | Student Teaching I | 3 |
| ECE* 291 | Student Teaching II | 3 |
| Total Credits Required: 12 | ||
Division of Social Science and Hospitality: 860-512-2750
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of all Child Development Associate certificate program requirements, graduates will
1. Support young children in early childhood programs using skills in observation, documentation, assessment and application.
2. Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate lesson/activity plans that foster children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development and involve families.
3. Demonstrate effective teaching strategies in an early childhood program, based upon child development theory and family involvement principles, which include setting up the learning environment; letting children practice skills and ideas; interacting positively with children, colleagues, and families; and modeling behavior we want children to emulate.
4. Evaluate the quality of an early childhood program through curriculum activities, routines, and teacher and child engagement; the learning environment; teacher/child interaction; and family involvement.
Source: 2011-2012 Course Catalog
For Additional Information, Contact: 860-512-2753
