Child Development Associates (CDA) Essentials

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Overview

If you are currently working with young children and want to improve your skills as a teacher and care provider as well as move up the Career Lattice while continuing to work, then this program is for you. Choose BTC’s Child Development fully online program to jump start your career in early care and education. The three CDA Essentials courses count as the 120 hours of formal education required before taking the assessment for CDA credentialing. Coursework supports the development of your CDA portfolio and prepares you for the CDA assessment.

The CDA Credential is the most widely recognized and portable credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. The three CDA Essentials courses are recognized at colleges in Washington and throughout the county, usually transferring in as 10-12 credits in Early Childhood Education programs of study.

Program Outcomes

• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment.
• Advance children’s physical and intellectual competence.
• Support children’s social and emotional development and provide positive guidance.
• Establish positive and productive relationships with families.
• Ensure a well-run, purposeful program that is responsive to participant needs.
• Maintain a commitment to professionalism.

Program Entry Information

It is best for students to begin the Program by registering for ECED 120— CDA Essentials: Intro to ECE/Health, Safety & Nutrition. Students may take the courses out of order, however this is not recommended.

Pre-Program Course Requirements

• Students must have a minimum of a high school diploma/GED and should have 480 hours of experience working with children within the past three years when applying for the CDA Credential at the end of the BTC coursework.
• It is recommended that students have good basic academic skills or enroll in basic skills courses to work on improving their reading, writing, and math skills.
• Before taking the fully online courses, students should be confident about computer and study skills. Students will need access to a computer and the internet five out of seven days a week, for a total of ten or more hours a week for each four-credit class.

Degree and Certificate Requirements

Certificate completion requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater.

Program Application/Forms

• This state funded program charges tuition based on residency. To establish residency, apply to BTC at www.btc.edu/apply. State “Child Development Essentials” as your intended program of study.

Programs

• Child Development Associates (CDA) Essentials Certificate

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