Child Development Associate (CDA)
- Microcredential
- Department of Education and Human Services
BOOST YOUR CAREER IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Are you a childcare professional working toward a lead teaching position? If you want to deepen your understanding and knowledge of working with young children, our 3-course Child Development Associate (CDA) Microcredential Program is the perfect fit!
What is a Microcredential?
A microcredential is a concise, specialized program of courses centered around a specific field of study. Completing a microcredential can enhance job prospects, accelerate career advancement, or act as a valuable stepping stone toward earning an Early Care certificate and a full degree.
Upon successful completion of MCC’s CDA Microcredential, you will:
Work Toward a Nationally Recognized Credential
Our program is a 9-credit microcredential that offers coursework in Child Development Associate (CDA) content competencies. Our CDA academic classroom curriculum consists of 120 clock hours, allowing you to work towards earning a nationally recognized credential, sponsored by the Council for Professional Recognition.
Experience Top-Notch Curriculum
Students will explore topics such as lesson planning, observation, guidance and discipline, anti-biased classroom curriculum, and the value of play. Our curriculum covers developmentally appropriate practices, and quality standards for professionals providing a comprehensive foundation for early care professionals. This microcredential exceeds the CDA standards and offers 9 college credits. Successful completion qualifies graduates to work as lead teachers in NYS-licensed childcare centers or licensed family childcare homes.
Pursue Further Education
The CDA microcredential can be applied towards the following programs at MCC:
MCC Microcredentials are a great way to showcase the skills that will make you an asset to the regional workforce. These short, focused credit and non-credit programs help you gain in-demand knowledge and abilities employers value highly. Each microcredential is officially recognized by MCC and meets SUNY Microcredential standards, giving you a valuable credential to enhance your resume and expand your career opportunities.
Child Development Associate (CDA)
Microcredential
Department: Education and Human Services
School(s): Community Engagement & Development
This 9-credit microcredential provides credit-bearing, early care Child Development Associate (CDA) coursework. It is intended for Early Childhood professionals currently working toward lead teaching positions and who desire a stand-alone credential to improve their understanding, knowledge and insight regarding their work with young children. The CDA is a nationally recognized credential that is sponsored through the Council for Professional Recognition. Upon completion, successful students will have a comprehensive quality foundation for early care professionals that exceeds CDA standards and will be qualified to work as a lead teacher in NYS licensed child care centers or licensed family child care homes, under NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) guidelines.
Ladders into the following program(s) at MCC:
Early Care Certificate (EE02)
Child Care Practitioner AAS (CD01)
Requirements:
ECE 150 – Exploring Early Care and Education (3 credits, grade of C or higher required)
ECE 151 – Developmentally Appropriate Practice for Young Children (3 credits, grade of C or higher required)
ECE 152 – Early Childhood Quality Practices for Professionals (3 credits, grade of C or higher required)