-
Career & Technical Education
Early Childhood Education - Child Development Associate (CDA)
Program Description
The CDA Program of Study aligns with the Child Development Associate (CDA) competencies, Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium, (InTASC), and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards. This program of study prepares students for further education and careers in early childhood education and care. The program consists of three high school courses that cover child growth and development with an emphasis on preschool, preschool learning environment best practices, and classroom/lab experiences. Students may earn CDA certification in center-based programs, family childcare and home visitors., Students complete 120 clock hours of child development education in the classroom and either 480 hours of experience working directly with children in licensed facilities or one credit for a dual enrolled course at AACC. In order to be eligible for the CDA certification, students must complete the 480-hour internship. In addition to industry certification, students may also earn college credit. Students can earn the Maryland State 90 clock hours plus 9 hours of communication certification.
Completer Courses
- Child Growth and Development
- Learning Environment: Preschool
- Child Development Associate Review and Portfolio
- Child Development Associate Internship (480 hours) or AACC EDU 131 Children's Literature
Schools Offering Completer
- All high schools except Phoenix and CAT Centers
Potential Certifications
- Child Development Associate Credential
Articulated/Proficiency Credit
Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)
- EDU 132 Early Childhood Development (3 credits)
- EDU 135 Child's Health/Nutrition and Safety for Educators (3 credits)
- EDU 230 Educator Portfolio Development (! credit)
Career Opportunities upon Program Completion
- Preschool Teaching Assistant ($27,570 - $58,900)
- Preschool Lead Teacher ($28,190 - $73,020)
Career Opportunities with Additional Education and Training
- Center Director ($34,900 - $82,400)
- Center Owner
- Kindergarten Teacher ($43,410 - $100,010)
Interested?
See your School Counselor for more information!
