Personal & Public Services
At a Glance
- Program designed to meet the training needs of persons already working in the field of early childhood care and education.
- Program provides approved needed training to attain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C.
- Provides the minimum formal training in early childhood care and education competencies, knowledge, skills, and techniques required for CDA.
- Credential is recognized nationally by Head Start and in Georgia for working in State Pre-K programs, child care centers and in numerous other early childhood care and education settings.
- Program length is two quarters if full time and regular student status.
Child Development Associate I
DESCRIPTION: (Available online only)
The Child Development Associate I certificate program is designed to meet the training needs of persons already working in the field of early childhood care and education. Persons enrolling in this program must have completed a minimum of 480 hours of work in the field with young children. This program is designed to provide the minimum formal training in early childhood care and education competencies, knowledge, skills, and techniques required to apply for a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from the Council for Early Childhood Recognition in Washington, D.C. The CDA credential is not issued by Flint River Technical College and must be applied for and paid for separately from this training program. However, this program is approved to provide the needed training to attain this credential. Once achieved, this credential is recognized nationally by Head Start and in Georgia for working as an assistant teacher in State Pre-K programs and in many other public and private early childhood care and education settings.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
The Child Development Associate I Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) Program prepares students for careers in the field of Early Childhood Care and Education. Graduates of this program qualify for a variety of positions including: Early Childhood program managers, supervisors, teachers, teacher's aides, and paraprofessionals. They work in State Pre-K programs, Public and Private Schools, Head Start Centers, Nursery Schools, Pre-schools, Child Development Centers, Day Care Centers, Family Child Care Homes, Recreation Programs, Early Childhood Exceptional Needs Programs and a variety of other settings where children are cared for and educated. Position qualifications vary depending upon job setting. Bright from the Start - The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, recognizes this TCC as meeting the requirements for State Pre-K teacher assistants, aides, or paraprofessionals.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA:
Attainment of at least 18 years of age; high school graduation or satisfaction of High School Equivalency Certificate requirement; achievement of minimum regular admission scores on reading 38, English 28, and math 31; and have a minimum of 480 hours of work experience in a formal early childhood program setting.
PROGRAM COSTS: (Program costs are estimates and are subject to change)
Application fee: $15; Tuition: $576; Fees: $162; Books & Supplies: $344.82; Total Program Costs: $1,097.82
PROGRAM LENGTH:
Two quarters if full time regular student.
Program Requirements
Introduces concepts related to the responsibilities and procedures involved in a variety of early childhood care situations. This course addresses key CDA competency goals and functional areas. Topics include: historical perspectives, transtitional activities, career opportunities, work ethics, functioning in a team environment, guidance, program management, learning environment, cultural diversity, licensure and accreditation, and professional development file (portfolio) guidelines.
Introduces the student to the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of the young child (0 through 5 years of age). Provides for competency development in observing, recording, and interpreting growth and development stages in the young child, advancing physical and intellectual competence, supporting social and emotional development and providing positive guidance. Topics include: development characteristics, observation and recording, theory and practice, guidance techniques, developmentally appropriate practice, and introduction to children with special needs.
Introduces the theory, practices, and requirements for establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment. Topics include: CPR and first aid, health issues, safety issues, child abuse and neglect, and nutritional needs of children.
Provides training in professionalism through Child Development Associate Credentialing Certificate preparation. In the following areas: applying for the Child Development Associate Credential through Direct Assessment, professional resource file development, and strategies to establish positive and productive relationships with families.
Provides opportunities to demonstrate and obtain documentation of student competency. Topics include: professional resource file completion, parent opinion questionnaires, formal observation, oral interview, and written assessment.
