Highlights
Help make a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families with a concentration in CDA (Child Development Associate) certificate training!
Individuals who obtain the CDA credential from the Council for Professional Recognition are well-prepared to work with young children, fostering all aspects of growth and development. Holding a CDA credential demonstrates a commitment to excellence, elevates the status of the Early Childhood Education profession, and provides pathways to advancement.
The CDA certificate training program at Baker College is a quick and affordable first step to begin your early childhood teaching career. In the course of 16 weeks, you will be guided through the eight CDA competency areas by college faculty who also serve as professional development specialists. At the end of the 16 weeks, you will have completed your professional portfolio and required training, which are necessary in your credential journey. However, your support doesn’t end there! Here at Baker College, our mission is Further Together, and we will continue to be there to cheer for you as you cross the finish line and earn your credential.
- Our curriculum is developed and taught by experienced early childhood education professionals to ensure it addresses the demands of the real world
- Credits will transfer into our Early Childhood Education program
- Students completing the CDA training program will be prepared for the CDA exam and PDS (professional development specialist) visit
Credit Hours
Completed In
Weeks (One Semester)
Why Obtain the CDA Credential?
Working with young children is valuable and rewarding. Credentialed early childhood teachers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of young children and supporting families. A CDA credential offers a range of career opportunities for individuals including teaching, running a family child care program, or serving as a child care center director. Obtaining your CDA certificate training with Baker College allows you to gain interdisciplinary knowledge and collaborate with other individuals who are also pursuing their credential.
Curriculum
The CDA credential training curriculum is designed to comprehensively prepare students for examination by providing a rigorous and specialized education that covers the eight key competency areas:
- Planning a safe and healthy learning environment
- Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development
- Supporting children’s social and emotional development
- Building productive relationships with families
- Managing an effective program operation
- Maintain a commitment to professionalism
- Observing and recording children’s behavior
- Understanding the principles of child development and learning
Students also complete the assembly of their portfolio under the guidance of professional development specialists who also serve as Baker College instructors.
Sample Courses
Introduction to Professional Education Experience
Elementary Literacy I
Classroom Development
Classes Available Anywhere
This concentration is offered in a hybrid format (Online Live via Zoom).
Take the Next Step
To enroll in Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate Training, submit your application for Baker College.