• A-Z Directory: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Child Development Associate Certification (CDA)

Program Description
Admissions Criteria
Scholarship Opportunities
Career & Employment Outlook
The Courses

Program Description

The decision to work with preschool age children is one of the most important career decisions that one can make. A preschool teacher or caregiver is a special person in children’s lives as they master new skills, develop friendships, grow in independence, and move to new levels of thinking and understanding about themselves and the world. It is an exciting and challenging responsibility to set up a supportive learning environment for a group of preschoolers, develop a relationship with each one, and meet their needs as individuals and as a group. Children’s learning experiences during this period in their lives can increase their self-confidence and readiness for elementary school.

Iowa Central’s Child Development Associate program is designed for students planning to work with children in a preschool, infant/toddler, family, day care, or home visitor setting. Many child development associate positions require a Child Development Associate (CDA) license, issued by the Child Development Associate National Credentialing (CDANC) Association. The purpose of this national certification program is to enhance the quality of child care by defining, evaluating, and recognizing the competence of child care providers and home visitors. Students may complete the requirements for the CDA as they also work toward their AA Degree.

^Top

Admissions Criteria

To complete admission procedures, the following requirements are necessary: (1) complete an application form and return it to Enrollment Services, (2) submit an official high school transcript or GED scores and official transcripts from all colleges previously attended, and (3) provide tests scores from either ACT or ASSET placement assessments.

^Top

Scholarship Opportunities

Iowa Central is committed to recognizing and rewarding outstanding students. The College awards scholarships to students based on need and grade point average. If you are interested in applying, please contact the department chair of the Education department or Enrollment Services at ext. 4800. Applications are mailed upon request.

^Top

Career & Employment Outlook

The number of 3, 4, and 5 year-old children in group programs has multiplied dramatically in recent years. There has been a significant increase in enrollment in public school kindergarten, Head Start programs, day care, and many others privately and publicly funded settings. Consequently, current trends indicate a large increase in available teaching and support positions for Child Development Associate professionals.

^Top

The Courses

The coursework in Iowa Central’s Child Development Associate Program is designed primarily for students seeking to complete the educational component required for the national Child Development Associate certification. The following curriculum is based primarily on eight major subject areas as stipulated by the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program: (1) planning a safe, healthy learning environment; (2) steps to advance children’s physical and intellectual development; (3) positive ways to support children’s social and emotional development; (4) strategies to establish productive relationships with families; (5) Strategies to manage an effective program operation; (6) maintaining a commitment to professionalism; (7) observing and recording children’s behavior, and (8) principles of child growth and development.

^Top

Iowa Central Community College | One Triton Circle | Fort Dodge, IA 50501 | 1-800-362-2793 | Webmaster@iowacentral.edu