Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

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(Code 130)

CD 118 , CD 119 , CD 210 , and CD 230

Note: Students enrolled in Child Development Lab classes (CD 118 , CD 119 , CD 210 , and CD 230 ) must undergo a Criminal Background Check and a Department of Human Services Central Registry Check. Being convicted of ANY FELONY, any of the listed offenses as defined by MCL 28.722 (Sex Offenders Registration Act; Act 295 of 1994), or being listed on the Michigan Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry will result in refusal of lab placement and removal from the course. Complete policy information is provided on the GRCC Website.

CD 260

Note: Students enrolled in CD 260 are required to participate in tutoring through the Schools of Hope Program through Grand Rapids Public Schools and must undergo a Criminal Background Check and a Department of Human Services Central Registry Check. Being convicted of ANY FELONY, any of the listed offenses as defined by MCL 28.722 (Sex Offenders Registration Act; Act 295 of 1994), or being listed on the Michigan Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry will result in refusal of tutoring placement and removal from the course. Complete policy information is provided on the GRCC Website.

Students may take the classes listed below to meet the formal training hours required for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Eligibility for the CDA credential can be acquired by successfully completing a program of training, experience and assessment based on competencies defined by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. It is important to realize that only the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition can grant a CDA credential. Students must make their own arrangements for assessment through the Council when they have completed the requirements. This credential is designed for professionals already working in the field and requires completion of at least 480 hours of experience working with young children within the last five years. The following courses at GRCC meet the formal training hours requirement:

Required Courses

CD 118 - Human Growth and Development-1 (4/5)
CD 119 - Methods in Preschool Education (4/6) OR
CD 210 - Infant/Toddler Development (4/5)
CD 218 - Preschool Management (3/3)
CD 180 - Cooperative Education in Child Development – 1 (3/3)

Total Credits: 14

These courses can NOT be taken all at once because prerequisites for each one must be met. All of these courses fit within the Child Development AA or AAAS degree (CD 180 is accepted as a substitute for CD 280 ).

Transfer Opportunities:

The Transfer Guide for many bachelor’s degree majors offered at Michigan colleges and universities is available at the Counseling and Career Center and online at www.grcc.edu.