What You Will Learn
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Education Endorsement Certificate at CCM 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, and 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 and 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
Where You Can Go!
Completing the CDA Educational Endorsement Certificate at CCM is the first step toward a career as a preschool group teacher in a childcare center, a paraprofessional, a substitute teacher, and many other child-related careers. In addition to supporting you in coursework, faculty are available to guide you on completing other requirements of the CDA credential along with your additional education and career goals. For students interested in pursuing further education, the CDA course series applies as course credit toward other Early Childhood certificate and associate degree options, as well as a numerous Teacher Education programs at CCM.
Curriculum
Our CDA program features a nine-credit core with courses in Early Childhood Development, Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Effective Preschool Practices.
Careers in the Field
This three-course program is the first step to prepare students toward a career as a:
- Childcare Center Worker
- Paraprofessional
- Private Preschool Group Teacher
- Substitute Teacher
- and other similar careers
This endorsement is beneficial for those seeking workforce entry and employment in a childcare center or classroom.
Why Study Child Development at CCM?
- Outstanding instruction and experiential learning to prepare you for advanced study and a child-related career in a diverse and changing world.
- Three-course curriculum that is aligned with state and national standards blending academic and professional preparation.
- Faculty to guide you on completing other requirements of the CDA credential, along with furthering your education and career goals.
- Faculty who are affiliated with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), New Jersey Association for Early Childhood Teacher Educators and the National Association for Teacher Educators at an Associate Level (ACCESS).
- Interactive courses in small class sizes and that are offered day and evening, on-campus as well as online.
- Earned credits that can be applied toward completion of a certificate of achievement or associate degree at CCM. Visit here for more pathways.
Paying for Your Child Development Education
Earning your educational endorsement certificate is an investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it? Our Financial Aid staff can provide information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your courses.
Featured Courses
Early Childhood Development
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.
Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education
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.
CDA Capstone: Effective Preschool Practices
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.
Prerequisites: CDC-110 and CDC-210.
