Course Description

Effective: 2010-08-01

General Course Purpose

Students will demonstrate knowledge of and competence in meeting the CDA requirements, including completion of the six Competency Statements; researching, organizing and synthesizing required materials and resources; and completing all necessary paperwork for the CDA credential.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

This course is designed for students pursuing the CDA (Child Development Associate) credential.

Course Objectives

• Demonstrate competence in working effectively with young children, meeting individual needs through appropriate programming and strategies.
• Explain and demonstrate techniques for effective communication with families, sensitivity toward family differences, and ability in encouraging family involvement in programs for young children.
• Choose and critique a variety of community resources that deal with families and young children, and include these in a professional resource file.
• Demonstrate competence as a program manager, incorporating management and decision making skills in program implementation.
• Develop individual goals for ongoing professional training and assessment, and demonstrate knowledge of issues requiring advocacy by the early childhood professional.
• Produce required components of the Professional Resource File, including a written Autobiography, Competency Statements, and Resource File materials to demonstrate fulfillment of all requirements for the CDA credential.

Major Topics to be Included

• Preparation of appropriate materials and activities to use with young children
• Use of information and resources with parents of young children in care
• Demonstration of ongoing work with young children, providing for their needs in a developmental framework
• Compilation of information, resources, and references to community referral and support systems