Online Child Development Training
Childcare development specialists play crucial roles in the education and development of many children. They are responsible to provide safe, nurturing environments, help children learn cognitive, emotional and physical skills and grow during their most formative years.
This 100% online course prepares you for the Child Development Associate® (CDA) certification process via the Council for Professional Recognition. Upon successful completion, you will be ready to earn your early childhood education certification.
Child Development Associate - Center-Based FAQs
What is a Child Development Associate (CDA)?
The CDA is considered the most widely known and valued credential for early childhood development professionals. It provides a rigorous and proven framework for a child's personal, intellectual and social growth. CDA-certified professionals demonstrate abilities:
- To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment.
- To advance physical and intellectual competence.
- To support social and emotional development and to provide positive guidance.
- To establish positive and productive relationships with families.
- To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs.
- To maintain a commitment to professionalism.
Is the CDA certification important for a child development professional?
Education professionals are responsible to regulators, parents and the public for the quality and safety of the environments they create. The CDA signals to potential employers and the education community that you are a professional dedicated to the highest standards in child development.
Where do child development associates work?
Providing a safe, healthy environment is among the highest priorities for excellent childcare. The CDA prepares you specifically to work within the structure of a childcare center. This course includes the procedures and materials required to prepare for a CDA-required site visit.
Child Development Associate – Center-Based
Registration and Enrollment: You will have 6 months of access to this self-paced course. This course is open enrollment. You can enroll and begin at any time.
Certification Requirements:
To be eligible for the CDA certification:
- You must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, or be a junior or senior in a high school career and technical program, and
- Complete 120 hours of formal early childhood technical education (this course meets CDA requirements)
- Complete a CDA professional portfolio (this course assists with portfolio preparation)
- Complete a CDA verification site visit where a PD Specialist observes you working with children
- Please Note: Within three years of submitting your application, you must also have 480 hours (about three weeks) of professional work experience at a center-based program with experience in all three age groups.
- For more information on the CDA requirements, please visit the CDA Council website.
Course Objectives:
- Evaluate and make recommendations for modifications of regulations regarding children's health, safety, and learning environments
- Identify typical stages of cognitive, linguistic, physical, social, and emotional development
- Develop a list of developmentally appropriate activities and materials that encourage physical, linguistic, cognitive, creative, social, and emotional development in children from birth to age five
- Implement appropriate guidance techniques for specific situations relating to children's behaviors
- Demonstrate skills in practical application of developmental principles and theories, observation techniques, and recognition of growth and development patterns
- Apply the competency statements into practice in an early childhood setting
- Prepare to become a certified child development associate professional
Location: Online
Tuition: $1,295.00
Register Now
Course Instructor
Kerri Welch has over 20 years of extensive experience in the field of early childhood education. With the CDA credential, she previously served as an instructor and field supervisor at Dutchess Community College in New York and as a PD Specialist for the CDA Council. She is currently teaching child development classes at Houston Community College. She has a Master of Science in early childhood education with a focus on students with disabilities, a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and an associate degree in early childhood education.
Childcare Workers - Employment and Education
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts 6% growth for Childcare Workers between now and 2031, like the expected growth rates for all jobs. The BLS expects demand for early childhood education to remain strong due to its influence on a child's intellectual and emotional development.
Job Stats
- Job Outlook: 6% (As fast as average)
- Number of Jobs, 2023: 949,000
- Median Pay: $27,490 per year
Source: June 2023
