Catalog Info
An introductory course in the field of early childhood education, focusing on the history and development of educational programs for young children birth to age eight. Students will develop a better understanding of the role of adults, basic child development theory, domains of development, play relationships, developing positive relationships with diverse families, observation in early childhood programs, curriculum development, and child guidance. This course is a pre-requisite for the rest of the required CORE courses in the Children and Families Program.
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
A Written Essay and Oral Exam will be issued by the program director or their designee. These exams will be graded by the program director based on evaluation rubrics.
The student must contact the program director to schedule an appointment for each of the following requirements:
•Complete an Oral exam which will focus on the student’s knowledge in the six CDA Competency Areas.
•Complete a Written essay which will be a 1 ½-2 page Developmental Area essay which will focus on the student’s knowledge of the developmental areas in early childhood education, for example: Cognitive, Social, Language, & Physical. The essay will be assessed against an evaluation rubric.
If the student passes the oral exam and written essay & provides the licensure/certification requirements, they will be eligible for CPCLL for both CHD 203 and CHD 211.
If the student fails either the oral exam or written essay or both, the student will receive one more opportunity within two weeks to meet with the program director again to complete the part(s) failed.
If the student fails either part the second time, the student will be required to take both the CHD 203 and CHD 211 courses and will not be able to use his or her CDA credential alone.
Note:Because of the CDA Council's 2.0 revisions that took place in 2016, any student with a CDA not falling under the new 2.0 CDA requirements will not be considered for the CPCLL and will automatically have to register for CHD 203 and CHD 211.
Students with a current CDA Credential may request credit for prior learning. The student will be required to scan, fax, mail or hand deliver a copy of the CDA Credential to the program director. The Children and Families Program Director will verify certifications.
In order to be considered for the CPCLL, the student must complete the following:
The student must provide the Program Director with a copy of a current Infant/Toddler, Preschool, or Home Provider
CDA Credential and the following:
For students that are CDA Renewal Candidates: This is a valid CDA Credential that is stamped with “Renewal.” The Council for Professional Recognition requires the completion of 45 clock hours (4.5 CEUs) of training as part of your CDA renewal process.
- Student must provide proof of 45 clock hours (4.5 CEUs) of training in early childhood education/child development that is related to the individual's CDA setting. This may be verified through a training certificate/letter on the Organization's company letter head or the student must provide an official college course transcript showing the early childhood course taken.
- The student must provide a letter verifying 80 hours of work experience with young children or families of young children within the past year.
The student complete the Departmental Exam section of this CPCLL.
For students that are Current CDA Candidates: The valid CDA Credential does not say “Renewal.”
- The student must provide a copy of the individual's current CDA Credential.
- The student must complete the Departmental Exam section of this CPCLL
NOTE: A copy of the CDA Credential will be retained in the Department Office.
Note: Students interested in transferring into the Children and Families Program and whose CDA Credential has expired will automatically have to take CHD-203 and CHD-211. Those who took college courses to complete their CDA (specifically if expired) should contact the Children and Families Program Director to have their college transcript reviewed before registering for CHD-203 and CHD-211.