DEGREES

Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)

Early Childhood Education

Short Term Credential

Description
The certificate prepares students to apply for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in a center-based preschool program awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. The requirements include the 120 formal hours of training and the 480 required fieldwork hours. The certificate prepares students for entry-level employment in an early childhood education environment or building into an associate degree. All Education courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Career Opportunities
A wide variety of potential jobs with the certificate degree only may include preschool assistant, preschool aide, and nutritional aide. Salary ranges include $16,000 for classroom assistant and entry level positions in Early Childhood Education.

Transfer paths and requirements
This program is designed for students wishing to go directly into the workforce.

Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Listed below are four options for earning the certificate:

One-year plan for full-time students (see below)
One-and-a-half-year plan for 3/4 time students (see below)
Two-year plan for part-time students
Two-year plan for part-time students ONLINE T.E.A.C.H.
ONE-YEAR PLAN FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS
Year 1 Fall 1024×41

Course Credits Contact Hours Semester(s) Offered Comments
ED 109A Parent Child Connection 3 4 Fall, Winter and Online
ED 111A Introduction to Early Childhood EDU 3 4 Fall, Winter and Online
ED 225A Child Development
or

ED 250A Human Growth and Development

3 4 Fall, Winter, Summer and Online
ED 120C Anti-Bias Curriculum 3 4 Fall, Winter and Online Prerequisite: Meet Ready to Succeed
Education Fieldwork Hours 100 Hours
Total Credit Hours 12 16
Year 1 Winter 1 1024×41

Course Credits Contact Hours Semester(s) Offered Comments
ED 220B Early Childhood Assessment 2 3 Fall, Winter and Online Prerequisite: ED 111
ED 210 Child Care and Guidance 3 3 Winter and Online Prerequisite: Department Approval
ED 252B Child Development Practicum 3 6 Winter and Online Co-requisite: ED 210
Education Fieldwork Hours 380 Hours
Total Credit Hours 8 12
MINIMUM CREDITS NEEDED FOR CERTIFICATE – 20

Additional notes: This degree requires a cleared background check, which may include fingerprinting and a TB clearance. Fieldwork is required in all education courses. Courses are offered both face-to-face and online and delivery varies by semester.

ONE-AND-A-HALF-YEAR PLAN FOR THREE-QUARTER-TIME STUDENTS
Year 1 Fall 1024×41

Course Credits Contact Hours Semester(s) Offered Comments
ED 109A Parent Child Connection 3 4 Fall, Winter and Online
ED 111A Introduction to Early Childhood EDU 3 4 Fall, Winter and Online
Education Fieldwork Hours 50 Hours
Total Credit Hours 6 8
Year 1 Winter 1 1024×41

Course Credits Contact Hours Semester(s) Offered Comments
ED 120C Anti-Bias Curriculum 3 4 Fall, Winter and Online Prerequisite: Meet Ready to Succeed
ED 225A Child Development
or

ED 250A Human Growth and Development

3 4 Fall, Winter, Summer and Online
ED 220B Early Childhood Assessment 2 3 Fall, Winter and Online Prerequisite: ED 111
Education Fieldwork Hours 75 Hours
Total Credit Hours 8 10
Year 2 Winter 1024×41

Course Credits Contact Hours Semester(s) Offered Comments

ED 210 Child Care and Guidance 3 3 Winter Prerequisite: Department Approval
ED 252B Child Development Practicum 3 6 Winter Co-requisite: ED 210
Education Fieldwork Hours 355 Hours
Total Credit Hours 6 9
MINIMUM CREDITS NEEDED FOR CERTIFICATE – 20

Additional notes: This degree requires a cleared background check, which may include fingerprinting and a TB clearance. Fieldwork is required in all education courses. Courses are offered both face-to-face and online and delivery varies by semester.