Faculty Syllabus

CDEC-2324 Child Development Associate Training III


Sonya Johnson


Credit Spring 2026


Section(s)

CDEC-2324-001 (34545)
LAB DIL ONL DIL

LEC TuTh 6:30pm - 8:20pm DIL DLS DIL

Course Requirements

CDA III is the third of three courses designed to prepare the Early Childhood teacher to receive  his or her CDA. A continuation of the study of the requirements for the Child Development Associate National  Credential (CDA). The six functional areas of study include safe, healthy, learning environment,  self, social, and guidance. Students must be employed working with a group of children in the 0-5  years range. Instructor visits will be scheduled. 64 hours per semester of field experience  required. (4-3-4)


Readings

Essentials for Working with Young Children, Second Edition; Valora  Washington, Editor, Council for Professional Recognition, 2017.


Course Subjects

OUTCOME 1: The student will apply an understanding of child development and  learning.

NAEYC STANDARD 1: Promoting Child Development And Learning

1a: Knowing and understanding young children’s characteristics and needs

1b: Knowing and understanding the multiple influences on development and learning 1c: Using developmental knowledge to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging  learning environments

OUTCOME 2: The student will explain how to build family and community  relationships.

NAEYC STANDARD 2: Building Family And Community Relationships

2a: Knowing about and understanding diverse family and community characteristics  2b: Supporting and engaging families and communities through respectful, reciprocal  relationships

2c: Involving families and communities in their children’s development and learning

OUTCOME 3: The student will demonstrate how to observe, document and  assess in order to support young children and families.  

NAEYC STANDARD 3: Observing, Documenting, and Assessing to Support Young  Children and Families

3a: Understanding the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment

 

 

3 | Revised S2024

3b: Knowing about and using observation, documentation, and other appropriate assessment  tools and approaches

3c: Understanding and practicing responsible assessment to promote positive outcomes for each  child

3d: Knowing about assessment partnerships with families and with professional colleagues

OUTCOME 4: The student will use effective approaches to connect with children  and families.  

NAEYC STANDARD 4: Using Developmentally Effective Approaches To Connect With  Children And Families

4a: Understanding positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation of their  work with children

4b: Knowing and understanding effective strategies and tools for early education 4c: Using a broad repertoire of developmentally appropriate teaching/learning approaches 4d: Reflecting on their own practice to promote positive outcomes for each child

OUTCOME 5: The student will use content knowledge to build meaningful  curriculum for young children.  

NAEYC STANDARD 5: Using Content Knowledge To Build Meaningful Curriculum 5a: Understanding content knowledge and resources in academic disciplines 5b:Knowing and using the central concepts, inquiry tools, and structures of content areas or  academic disciplines  

5c: Using their own knowledge, appropriate early learning standards, and other resources to  design, implement and evaluate meaningful, challenging curricula for each child

OUTCOME 6: The student will demonstrate professionalism.  

NAEYC STANDARD 6: Becoming A Professional

6a: Identifying and involving oneself with the early childhood field

6b: Knowing about and upholding ethical standards and other professional guidelines 6c: Engaging in continuous, collaborative learning to inform practice

6d: Integrating knowledgeable, reflective, and critical perspectives on early education 6e: Engaging in informed advocacy for children and the profession


Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of CDEC 2424, the student will:

1. Identify methods to advance physical and intellectual competence. 

a. offer a variety of activities, which enable children to develop their large muscles.  b. offer a variety of activities, which enable children to develop their small muscles.  c. adapt program activities to meet individual and special needs of children with  disabilities. 

d. offer children opportunities to develop their senses. 

e. recognize and plan for individual learning styles. 

f. provide throughout the day a variety of age appropriate materials and activities  that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem solving. 

g. provide for play, exploration, and learning. 

h. communicate with each child frequently. 

i. encourage children to talk. 

j. communicate with children in developmentally appropriate ways. 

k. respond positively to children’s attempts to communicate. 

l. provide a developmentally appropriate, print rich environment in which children  learn about books, literature, and writing. 

m. appreciate individual expression and creativity. 

n. provide many opportunities for appropriate music experiences. 

o. provide age-appropriate, creative art experiences. 

p. provide dramatic play experiences with a variety of age - appropriate props.  q. provide a variety of age-appropriate block play construction. 

 NAEYC Standard 1, 4 and 5

2. Describe the CDA process. 

a. be familiar with the CDA assessment process. 

 NAEYC Standard 6 

3. Develop skills in objective observation. 

a. be aware of and implement anecdotal observations. 

b. observe and record observations objectively.

 NAEYC Standard 3 

4. Summarize child growth and development. 

a. explain areas of development and general principles.

5 | Revised S2024

 NAEYC Standard 1 

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


Office Hours

W 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM EVC Room 3205

NOTE Or by appointments via virtually or by phone @ 512.586.0824

T Th 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Blackboard or Google Meet

NOTE 8:20-9:00 pm on Blackboard Others by appointment on either Blackboard or Google Meet

Published: 01/10/2026 13:35:59