Child Development Associate (CDA) Training Certificate

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Training Certificate Program provides students with the education required to apply for the CDA credential. Students take 9 credits in early childhood education, including ECE 101 Intro to Early Childhood Education, ECE 247 Child Development, and ECE 176 Health, Safety and Nutrition.  Course discussions and assignments support each student in understanding the history of early childhood education and how the field has evolved, basics of developmentally appropriate practices, child development and how to keep children safe and healthy in the childcare setting. 

This certificate is 9 credits.  All credits must be taken at Charter Oak State College.  Credits may also be granted through training that has been approved through the Charter Oak State College Prior Learning Assessment Program.  All courses must be completed with a grade of C or above.

Due to the field experience requirements to earn the CDA, students who complete this certificate program will also be eligible to earn 6 additional credits upon verification of the CDA by the Council for Professional Recognition.  

Certificate Core Courses

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Certificate in Child Development Associate (CDA) Training will:

• understand the ‘Professional Standards and Competencies required for professionals working in the early childhood field, as well as levels of progression for advancement in the field;
• understand the developmental period of early childhood from birth-age 8 across various domains of development (physical, social, cognitive, linguistic);
• know and apply principles of health, safety, and nutrition to ensure children are safe and well cared for each day;
• know and apply basic principles of developmentally appropriate practices while working under the direction of a more qualified teaching professional;
• complete 120 hours of training to earn the CDA Credential; and
• complete 480 field experience hours.