The first in a two-course sequence designed to help candidates acquire skills and knowledge for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and, is an introduction course to the CDA credentialing process. The CDA is a national performance-based credential awarded by the CDA Council to teachers, caregivers, home visitors, and administrators who work with children from birth to age five. This course will cover the following CDA topics: Safe, Healthy, Learning Environment; Self, Social, Guidance; and Families. Students will get a better understanding of children’s developmental stages (from birth-5) and will be able to plan developmentally appropriate activities for young children (including those with special needs).The CDA Professional Portfolio is initiated in this introduction course. This course can be used to satisfy part of the 120 clock hours of instruction required by the CDA Council.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Principles of child development and learning
- Safe, healthy learning environments
- Observing and recording children’s behavior.
- Children’s social and emotional development using positive guidance.
- Strategies to establish productive relationships with families
- Explain basic principles of child development and learning.
- Demonstrate appropriate procedures for observing and recording children’s behavior.
- Develop a plan for a safe, healthy learning environment.
- Demonstrate effective strategies to establish productive relationships with families.
- Describe appropriate ways to support children’s social and emotional development and provide positive guidance.
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of academic achievement will take place through a series of assignments, projects, and tests.
To qualify for the CDA assessment, the candidate must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or be working towards either.
- Be able to speak, read and write English well enough to fulfill the responsibilities of a CDA candidate.
- Be able to provide documentation of 120 clock hours of in class instruction.
- Through employment or volunteer work, be willing to show proof of 480 clock hours (within the last three years) working in a state-licensed setting providing care for young children ages birth-5 years. Hours working with Kindergarten children cannot be used for the 480 hours.
- Choose a CDA focus of either Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care, or Home Visitor.
- Be willing to choose and arrange an evaluation by a PDS who will observe you in a child care setting and check your completed Portfolio.
- Be willing to pay the CDA Council Application Fee of $425 to be evaluated by a PDS and to take the Final CDA Test.
The following NAEYC Associate Degree Standards are met by this course at the understanding or application level:
1. Promoting Child Development and Learning:
* 1a: Knowing and understanding young children's characteristics and needs.
* 1b: Knowing and understanding the multiple influences on early development and learning.
2. Building Family and Community Relationships:
* 2a: Knowing about and understanding diverse families and communities.
* 2b: Supporting and engaging families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
* 2c: Involving families and communities in young children's development and learning.
3. Observing, Documenting, and Assessing to Support Young Children and Families:
* 3c: Understanding and practicing responsible assessment to promote positive outcomes for each child.
4. Using Effective Approaches to Connect with Children and Families:
* 4a: Knowing, understanding, and using positive relationships.
5. Using Content Knowledge to Build Meaningful Curriculum:
* 5a: Understanding content knowledge and resources in academic disciplines.
Determined by the Department Lead Instructor.
Outcomes
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Students with a current CDA Credential may request credit for prior learning. The student may scan, fax, mail or hand deliver a copy of the CDA Credential to the program director. When sending a copy of your Credential, please include the following:
- A typed letter with the date, semester for which you are requesting the credit, your name, phone number, email address, student ID#, and a paragraph explaining your request.
Note: A copy of your CDA Credential will be retained in the Department Office.
Program Director: Marlene White Office K-301A Email: mwhite34@hfcc.edu Phone: (313) 845-6311 School of Health and Human Services Fax: (313)3317-6569.