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Early Childhood Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Preparation Certificate
Your career in early childhood education might begin with certification as a Child Development Associate. A person who is CDA certified and wishes to work in a daycare, medical, counseling, or court and legal facility is recognized as a specialist in child care and development. If you are seeking CDA certification to further your career, or if your present employer requires that you receive certification, there are some requirements that you must meet in order to apply for your certification.
The CDA credential is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition (the Council) which is a nonprofit corporation headquartered in Washington D.C. The "CDA Assessment" is the process by which an early childhood candidate is evaluated. In preparation for the assessment, the candidate documents her/his skill in relation to the CDA Competency Standards. For more information about the CDA, see the Council Web page.
This Wenatchee Valley College certificate is offered to help students complete the following components required by the CDA Assessment process:
- The Professional Resource File which includes documentation of 480 hours of experience working with young children, and 120 clock hours of formal Early Childhood Education coursework.
- The Parent Questionnaires
The courses required for completion of the WVC certificate:
| Course |
|
Credits |
| ECE 101* |
Introduction to Early Childhood Education
(provides 50 clock hours toward CDA credential) |
5 |
| EDUC& 115* |
Child Development
(provides 50 clock hours toward CDA credential) |
5 |
| ECE 140 |
CDA Capstone
(provides 20 clock hours toward CDA credential) |
2 |
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| CDA Credential Preparation Certificate |
12 |
*These courses also provide credit toward the Early Childhood Education degree at WVC.
(Students can take ECE 128 if they need further support in completing
the "CDA Assessment Observation Instrument.")
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