Family Child Care Child Development Associate (CDA) Preparation Specialized Diploma
What is a CDA?
A Child Development Associate is recognized as having the skills to meet the specific needs of children and work with parents and other adults to nurture children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework. A CDA candidate completes 120 hours of course work plus an assessment and credentialing process that is submitted to the Council for Professional Recognition. For more information visit the Council for Professional Recognition web page.
Why prepare for a CDA?
- The Pennsylvania Keystone Stars performance standards for staff qualifications include the CDA.
- Providers’ knowledge, skills and attitudes will develop.
- Parents will appreciate knowing that their child’s provider is specially trained.
- Children become more meaningful and creatively engaged in learning experiences that promote their social development and learning.
How does the program work at NCC?
The Family Child Care CDA at NCC provides the 120 hours of course work through three, three credit Family Child Care courses:
EARL 155 Introduction to Family Child Care
Students are introduced to the use of child development principles, theories, and milestones as the basis for being a professional family child care provider. Students learn to modify their home environment in order to provide developmentally appropriate, arts-integrated and inclusive learning experiences for all children. Ethical guidelines, systems, trends and curriculum models are included. Observation and assessment techniques, interaction skills and strategies, and the development of respectful and reciprocal relationships with families are learned as foundational skills. Child Development Associate (CDA) portfolio and advisor are required if applying for a CDA from the Council for Professional Recognition.
EARL 156 Society and the Child in Family Child Care
Students learn about family child care as an extension of the family and its connection into the community. Social-emotional milestones and theories related to attachment, autonomy, self-esteem and developmentally appropriate responses will be introduced. The development of cultural competence, social problem solving, access to and use of community resources are major themes. Child Development Associate (CDA) portfolio and advisor are required if applying for a CDA from the Council for Professional Recognition.
EARL 157 Family Child Care Professional
Students appropriate practices, including business practices and other professional guidelines, as a foundation for developing and maintaining a professional program and identity. Students use strategies to manage an effective family child care program, including a business plan, effective recordkeeping and strategic planning. Learning from EARL 155, 156 and 157 are integrated through a final portfolio to document the student as a professional that engages in continuous, collaborative learning to inform, and advocate for, best practice. Child Development Associate (CDA) portfolio and advisor are required if applying for a CDA from the Council for Professional Recognition.
In addition to meeting CDA competency goals and course standards, the course guides you through the processes required to attain a CDA from the Council for Professional Recognition. Upon successful completion of the 3 courses you receive a nine credit Specialized Diploma from NCC and are eligible to apply for your CDA.
Pending NCC Curriculum Committee approval you will be eligible to use your nine credits toward an AAS in Early Childhood Education.
How long does it take to complete the Family Child Care Specialized Diploma?
The course work takes one year divided into three, fifteen week semesters.
What computer skills do I need?
You need to be able to:
- use the internet
- create text using word processing
- cut and paste documents
How will I learn? What will I do?
Each course is divided into 15 weeks of classes. Each class provides you with content information. You can either read the content on the computer and/or you can print it out to read at a later time. After you read the information, you will have assignments to complete with children in your classroom. Next you will use the discussion forum to share your stories about the children’s responses to your work and your learning with classmates and the instructor. This sharing of experiences with other students will support your work, stimulate new thinking, and and spark excitement with your children! You will also document your work for entry into your CDA assessment portfolio.
What are the traits of a successful distance learning student?
Instead of coming to class you interact with classmates and the instructor through a discussion forum. You enter the discussion forum at a time convenient to you. A successful student logs on to the forum two to three times a week. In addition you do textbook reading, complete assignments with children, write reflection journals and CDA competency goal papers, and complete assessment portfolios.
Thus, the successful distance learning student is:
- Motivated to increasing knowledge and skills about being an effective provider.
- Disciplined and an initiator.
- Able to dedicate about 6 to 8 hours a week to completing all work.
Why do students like to take courses using distance learning?
Web-based learning allows you to do the course on your own time. It is available 24 hours every day, and you can log on and off at your convenience. Students have personal reasons but among the most common are:
- Accessibility: Many students would be unable to get a college degree because of distance to the nearest college.
- Convenience: Students “come to class” based on their own schedule.
- Learning Style: Many students prefer interacting electronically with the instructor and classmates because it allows time to reflect on comments and questions.
- Maximizes Resources: No travel time reduces travel costs and the time commitment to taking a course.
What costs will there be?
- The tuition is at the affordable cost of a $100 per credit.
- You will need to purchase your books. The costs will be approximately $200.00.
- The CDA assessment costs are covered through a Pennsylvania Key Voucher Program.
How do I apply?
Send an email to Bill Blickensderfer.
