CDA 112 - CDA Formal Training Hours Capstone

Description
This course is designed for students who are working in the early childhood field to complete the CDA formal training hours related to application completion. Students complete Competency Standard IV, write a professional philosophy statement, assemble a professional portfolio, prepare for their CDA exam, prepare for their CDA on-site visit with a Professional Development Specialist, and prepare for submission of their CDA application. Students must be 18 and have a high school diploma or GED in order to apply for the CDA credential.

Credit Hours: 1
Contact Hours: 1
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit:
General Education Requirement:
None
Course Learning Outcomes:

Each student will write a reflective statement about CDA Competency Standard IV part C, responding to the information provided within the family questionnaires.
Each student will write a professional philosophy statement summarizing professional beliefs and values about early childhood education.
Each student will assemble 6 competency statements and resource file items to be submitted as a professional portfolio.

Course Outline:
I. Family Questionnaires

A. Submission

B. Collection

C. Reflection

II. Review and Compile 6 Competency Statements

A. Complete Competency Statement IV

B. Compile Additional Statements to be Submitted in the Professional Portfolio

III. Review and Compile Resource Collection Items

A. Compile Resource Items to be Submitted in the Professional Portfolio

IV. Professional Philosophy Statement

A. Using the 6 Competency Statements Write a Professional Philosophy Statement

V. Application Preparation

A. Fill out Application (Online or on Paper)

B. Choose PD Specialist

VI. Classroom Observation Preparation

VII. CDA Exam Preparation

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
Yes
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture Notes: 20-30%

Online Discussion: 40-50%

Videos and Resource Materials: 10-20%

Mandatory Course Components:
CDA Essentials for Working with Young Children 2nd Edition textbook by the Council for Professional Recognition

Essentials Workbook 2nd Edition by the Council for Professional Recognition

The Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program and the CDA Competency Standards (Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Home Visitor, Family Childcare)

Student prepares for their CDA exam.

Student prepares for their CDA on-site visit with a PD specialist.
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: CDA

Course-Specific Placement Test:
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: NA

Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
All students will be evaluated on the following:

1. Final submission of their Professional Philosophy Statement

2. Completed Professional Portfolio including 6 Competency Statements and all Resource Collection items.

Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 1
People Soft Course ID Number: 104733
Maximum Course Enrollment:
General Room Request: None

School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Education
Discipline: ED
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Professionally qualified through work experience in field (Perkins Act or Other) (list below), Other (list below), 18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
An instructor must possess an M.A. or M.S. degree in Early Childhood Education or Family and Child Studies and two years work experience in a preschool or infant/toddler classroom.

Major Course Revisions: Prefix
Last Revision Date Effective: 20220217T16:05:35
Course Review & Revision Year: 2026-2027