Child Development Associate Certification
What is Child Development?
Child development is a field of study that focuses on child’s developmental process, as well as the importance of nutrition health and safety. There are a number of related academic programs offered that will provide you with fundamental knowledge of child psychology and related trends in health and care procedures for young children.
What is a child development associate certificate?
The associate certificate in child development is designed to meet the CDA (Child Development Associate) National Credentialing Program’s Competency Standards requirement of formal education related to professional child care. The program is useful for those who intend to pursue advanced study in early childhood education or a related discipline, as well as those who want to supplement their undergraduate degree and enhance their job prospects.
This program is designed to help students acquire skills that will prove to be useful in a career in child development. The curriculum typically covers topics such as fundamentals of early childhood education, child growth and development, and health safety and nutrition for young children. You will learn to use new technology, effective communication methods, and demonstrate cultural awareness.
What courses will you study in the child development associate certificate?
The child development associate certificate will instruct you in a variety of topics ranging from the fundamentals of early childhood education to child psychology. Some of the courses that you may study are:
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Child growth and development
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Health, safety, and nutrition for young children
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Health and care standards in the development of young children
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Written communications
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Human behavior
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Child developmental psychology
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First aid and safety
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Early learning experiences
In addition to classroom instructions, you may also have to complete a specific number of hours of supervised fieldwork per course. The fieldwork provides you with an opportunity to gain hands-on training.
What requirements do you have to meet in order to get admissions?
To enroll in the child development associate certificate, you need to:
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Hold a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) diploma
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Provide a personal statement
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Sign a statement of ethical conduct
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Submit proof of recent medical exams, current inoculations and TB tests
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Provide character references
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Provide background checks
These admission requirements may however vary from one university to another.
What career paths can you possibly pursue with a child development associate certificate?
Once you complete a child development associate certificate credential, you may qualify to potentially become a:
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Teacher Assistant - Teacher assistants work under a teacher’s supervision to give students extra attention and instruction. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of teacher assistants is projected to grow by 9% from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Median annual pay (2012): $23,640 (BLS)
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Childcare Worker - Childcare workers care for children when parents and other family members are unavailable. Employment of childcare workers is projected to grow 14% from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Median hourly pay (2012): $9.38 (BLS)
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/teacher-assistants.htm#tab-2
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Q:What are the program objectives of a Child Development Associate Certification?
A:An associate certificate in child development is designed to teach students how to deliver quality education services for young children. The program incorporates various teaching subjects and courses. Students enrolled in this certificate programs gain knowledge on current studies and psychological learning patterns of children. They develop social and cultural factors that contribute to the development of a young child. The certificate enables students to become a professional and skilled educator.
Q:What kind of courses are covered in child development associate certificate?
A:In a child development associate certificate program, individuals get to study the fundamentals of early childhood education, child growth and development, child psychology, and health, safety, and nutrition for young children. These certificate programs can enable individuals to become professional child educators and administrators. Such programs enable individuals to pursue a variety of careers in the teaching and administrative sector.
Q:How to Earn a CDA?
A:The CDA (Child Development Associate) credential is offered by the Council for Professional Recognition. The CDA credential is offered in a number of field such as preschool, Infant/toddler, family child care, and home visitor. Applicants must complete the minimum requirements which are: 120 hours of professional education, 480 hours of professional experience, completion of a professional port folio, completion of a CDA application form, payment of a $425 assessment fee, verification with a CDA professional development specialist, and passing the CDA certification exam.
(Source: Council for Professional Recognition)
Q:Can you tell me about the Child Development Associate Certification?
A:The Child Development Associate Certification is offered by the Council for Professional Recognition. This credential certifies an individual in the field of child development. Individuals must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for this credential, and must also pass the certification exam conducted by the Council. Generally, applicants are required to have at least a high school diploma, work experience, and professional training.
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