Program Description The Child Development Essentials (CDA) Program prepares students for work in the early childhood care and education field. This coursework can lead to a certificate in Child Development from Bellingham Technical College and provides the coursework for the national credential as a Child Development Associate. The three CDA Essentials courses are also transferable to most community and technical colleges for twelve credits towards a certificate or degree in Early Childhood Education.
Core competencies covered in this program prepare early childhood educators to work effectively with young children and their families. Major topic areas include introduction to early childhood, ways children learn, healthy environments, social and emotional development, physical and intellectual competency, curriculum development, family relationships, and professionalism.
Courses are offered as group courses or fully on line. Participants must be working with young children regularly either in a paid or volunteer position to fulfill their coursework requirements.
Program Costs Tuition, Fees, Material and Supply costs ... (more)
Degree & Certificate Requirements Courses Listed Alphabetically | Typical Student Schedule This program consists of three required courses that are offered either as a group class or fully on line. The group class meets one evening a week and one Saturday per quarter. The on-line course is offered through WAOL. The group courses are I-BEST approved and students participating in the group courses have the option of attending class a second evening each week to work on improving their basic skills in reading, writing, and math.
Each course includes field work as well as coursework and ten hours of mentored activities. See a Quarterly Schedule for specific
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Students may apply for a certificate upon completion and verification of all requirements and standards.
Program Outcomes Plan safe, healthy environments to invite learning.
Facilitate steps to advance children's physical and intellectual development.
Create positive ways to support children's social and emotional development.
Develop strategies to establish productive relationships with families.
Facilitate strategies to manage an effective program operation.
Maintain a commitment to professionalism.
Observe and record children's behavior.
Apply principles of child growth and development.
Application & Registration Prerequisite: Students must be working with young children regularly either in a paid or volunteer position to fulfill their coursework requirements.
Program application and admission are not required. It is best for students to begin the program by registering for ECED 120—CDA Essentials: Intro to ECE/Health, Safety & Nutrition fall quarter on a space available basis. However, students can begin the courses in winter or spring as well. It is recommended that students have good basic academic skills or enroll in the CDA I-BEST to work on improving their reading, writing, and math skills. A program brochure is available from the Counseling and Career Center.
