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Early Childhood Development

Earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential:

  • Improves your skills and confidence while working with children
  • Increases your opportunities for growth in the early childhood field
  • Makes you eligible for positions in licensed child care facilities such as Group Leader, Teacher, and Assistant Teacher
  • Is recognized in all 50 states and the District of Columbia

ECE Fundamentals prepare people to work in the childcare field and prepare them to begin the CDA course, which is offered in partnership with Pikes Peak State College. (see below for course descriptions)

Child raising hand

Child Development Associate Certificate (120 hours):

The course curriculum covers the growth and development of children aged from birth to five years, with 15 hours of training in each of these eight subject areas:

  • Planning a safe and healthy learning environment
  • Advancing physical and intellectual development
  • Supporting social and emotional development
  • Building productive relationships with families
  • Managing an effective program operation
  • Maintaining a commitment to professionalism
  • Observing and recording behavior
  • Understanding principles of child development and learning
     

CDA CredentialTM application and examination fees are paid directly to the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition and are separate from this tuition.

Tuition: CDA Preparation Course, $300.00 (includes books)

Classes held at:
Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus

Dates & Times:
Introduction to the CDA (pre-requisite):

September

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 -8:30 pm at RJWAC

CDA Course:

October - MAy
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8:30 pm at RJWAC.

Requirements:
Perfect attendance is required at each class or students may not be eligible for the CDA CredentialTM. 
480 hour internship required

Early Childhood Education Fundamentals

This hybrid course in Early Childhood Education is comprised of both classroom learning and pre-internship workplace experience designed for non-native English speakers with ECE employment or training goals.    It provides contextualized practice for high intermediate and advanced language learners in the integrated skills for academic reading, writing, listening, speaking in child development.  It gives practical assignments to develop competence in providing quality childcare. All content and skills will introduce foundational knowledge for learners to subsequently enroll in the CDA course in Fall 2025.

Tuition:
Free

Location:
Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus

Dates & Times:
October - December
Tuesdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm