CDA Educational Endorsement Certificate
The CDA Education Certificate of Achievement is a three-course series approved by the Council for Professional Recognition. It is ideal for those currently employed or seeking workforce entry as a childcare professional. In addition to being offered face-to-face, CDA courses are offered fully online through CCM's Virtual Campus. The CDA Education Certificate of Achievement can be submitted to the Council for Professional Recognition as part of the CDA application process.
Grounded in research and evidence-based practice, the curriculum blends academic and professional preparation. The content is aligned with the national competency standards for the CDA Credential and prepares the students in the following goals:
- To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment
- To advance physical and intellectual competence
- To support social and emotional development and 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
Completing the CDA Education Certificate of Achievement is the final step toward a career as a preschool group teacher in a childcare center, as well as careers as a paraprofessional, substitute teacher, and many other child-related careers.
CDA Educational Endorsement Certificate
(P0331)
| CDC-110 | Early Childhood Development | 3 |
| CDC-210 | Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| CDC-220 | CDA Capstone: Effective Preschool Practices | 3 |
Dr. Melissa Kasmin
Associate Professor, Psychology and Education
Ph.D, Rutgers University
MSW, University of Michigan
BA, Kenyon College
DH323 973-328-5631, mkasmin@ccm.edu
Dr. Jessica Shackil
Assistant Professor, Psychology and Education
Ed.D., Caldwell University,
M.Ed, Montclair State University,
B.A., Montclair State University
DH 323 973-328-5621, jshackil@ccm.edu
Courses
CDC-110. Early Childhood Development. 3 Credits.
LECT 45 hrs
This course studies the growth and development of the child from birth through age eight. It will cover a variety of factors that influence child development such as diversity, culture, health, economic and family environment. Also it provides an overview of the major theorists in the field of human development. There will be discussion regarding these theorists' contributions to understanding how children grow and learn. Students will have the opportunity to observe and report on a variety of teaching and learning venues.
CDC-210. Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.
LECT 45 hrs
This course studies designing, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth through age eight with a focus on language and literacy, social and emotional learning, creative arts, and social studies, math, science and technology. It will cover practical applications of theories and current research in early childhood education, methods of observing children's behavior and progress, and strategies for developing and using curriculum in all aspects of the daily routine. Attention will be given to anti-bias curriculum and elements of diversity that can influence learning including cultural backgrounds, gender, sexual orientation, religion, English language learners, socio-economic status, family circumstances, and children with special needs. A field work component includes observation of curriculum and teaching and learning in an Early Childhood Education setting.
Prerequisites: CDC-110 is a pre and/or co-requisite
Corequisites: CDC-110 is a pre and/or co-requisite.
CDC-220. CDA Capstone: Effective Preschool Practices. 3 Credits.
LECT 45 hrs
This course studies effective, practical, research-based methods for developing preschool teachers. Course content is aligned with the national competency standards for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. It will cover the essentials of planning a safe environment, advancing children's development, building family partnerships, program operations, professional development, authentic assessment, and principles of developmentally appropriate learning. Attention will also be given to current research on brain development in young children, designing the learning environment, professional ethics, and cultural competence.
Corequisites: CDC-210 is a pre and/or co-requisite.
CDC-228. Cooperative Work Experience- Child Care. 3 Credits.
COOP 45 hrs
This course provides selected students in the Early Childhood programs with job-oriented training and practical experience in a work environment. Students desiring to participate in this experience should make this intention known to the Faculty Special Projects person at the beginning of their third semester.
Prerequisites: Permission of department chair
Corequisites: CDC-229.