Faculty Syllabus

CDA I is the first of three courses designed to meet the training hours requirement for the CDA Credential. The course provides hours in physical and motor development, cognitive development, communication, creativity, professionalism, principles of development, and observation.

Based on the requirements for the Child Development Associate National Credential (CDA). Topics on CDA overview, general observation skills, and child growth and development overview. This course will cover the 8 CDA Subject Areas. Students must be employed working with a group of children in the 0-5 years range. The instructor will ask for documentation about lab hours.  Documentation may vary from observations, short videos, or pictures, not including children. 64 hours per semester of field experience required. 

Essentials for Working with Young Children, Third Edition; Valora Washington, Editor, Council for Professional Recognition, 2023.

Child Development Program Level Student Learning Outcomes and 

NAEYC Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation Standards

     The Child Development Department Program Level Student Learning Outcomes equate to the NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Associate Degree Program Accreditation. The NAEYC Standards are noted in the syllabus for the purpose of departmental accreditation. The Standard noted is interchangeable with the similarly numbered Child Development Department Program Level Student Learning Outcome. 

     The Standards intentionally cover areas of professional preparation that are required to ensure that all young children will receive the kind of early education they need and deserve.

Upon successful completion of CDEC 1317, the student will:

1. Identify methods to advance physical and intellectual competence. NAEYC Standard 1, 4, and 5 

1. offer a variety of activities, which enable children to develop their large muscles.  
2. offer a variety of activities, which enable children to develop their small muscles. 
3.  adapt program activities to meet the individual and special needs of children with disabilities.  
4. offer children opportunities to develop their senses. 
5.  recognize and plan for individual learning styles. 
6. provide throughout the day a variety of age-appropriate materials and activities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving. 
7. provide for play, exploration, and learning.  
8. communicate with each child frequently. 
9.  encourage children to talk.  
10. communicate with children in developmentally appropriate ways. 
11. respond positively to children’s attempts to communicate. 
12.  provide a developmentally appropriate, print-rich environment in which children learn about books, literature, and writing. 
13. appreciate individual expression and creativity.   
14. provide many opportunities for appropriate music experiences. 
15. provide age-appropriate, creative art experiences.  
16. provide dramatic play experiences with a variety of age-appropriate props.  
17. provide a variety of age-appropriate block play construction. 

2. Describe the CDA process.   NAEYC Standard 6

1. be familiar with the CDA assessment process. 

3. Develop skills in objective observation. NAEYC Standard 3 

1. be aware of and implement anecdotal observations.  
2. observe and record observations objectively.

1. Summarize child growth and development. NAEYC Standard 1 

1. explain areas of development and general principles.    

1. Utilize skills in writing, speaking, teamwork, time management, creative thinking, and problem-solving.