Child Care and Education

Program Overview:

This Child Care and Education Certificate program prepares students to obtain the national Child Development Associate (CDA) certification and employment as a childcare worker. The courses help students learn to perform tasks in a professional child care setting.

Students who graduate from this program will receive a self-study CDA certificate that meets the 120 clock hours of professional development required by the Council for Professional Recognition in order to obtain the National CDA credential for the following educator pathways:*

  • Center-Based Preschool (3–5 years old)
  • Family Child Care

Career Information and Outlook:

Childcare workers keep children safe, care for their needs, and help them with their development through reading, doing crafts, or engaging in other activities. They also communicate with parents regarding their children’s progress and behavior. Childcare workers often work at daycare centers, preschools, someone’s home, or even their own home.

Topics You Will Learn About Include:

  • Observing and recording progress/behavior of children
  • Advancement of physical and intellectual development
  • Enhancement of social and emotional development
  • Positive relationships with families
  • Commitment to professionalism
  • Effective program operation
  • Safe and healthy environments for children and childcare workers

Careers in This Field:

  • Childcare Worker
  • Daycare Worker
  • Teacher Assistant

What Do Students Graduate With?

-High School Diploma from Career Online High School

-Self-study CDA certificate that meets the 120 clock hours of professional development required by The Council for Professional Recognition in order to obtain the National CDA credential in the listed pathways

Please visit the Course Catalog page for Course listings.

 

*Does not count toward the Center-Based Infant-Toddler educator pathway (working with children birth to 36 months). For details, visit www.cdacouncil.org.