Faculty Syllabus

Course Requirements

Based on the requirements for the Child Development Associate National Credential (CDA). Topics on CDA overview, general observation skills, and child growth and development. The four functional areas of study are creative, cognitive, physical, and communication. Students must be employed working with a group of children in 0-5 years range. Instructor visits will be scheduled. 64 hours per semester of field experiences required.

Professional Development Specialist (PDS) using the CDA Comprehensive Scoring Instrument (CSI). This instrument rates the student in the competency areas covered by CDA.  Because of this, the program where the student teaches should reflect the teaching philosophy supported by CDA.  This is a child-centered approach where children learn through actively exploring objects and their world, at their own level and pace. Since I will be unable to observe you teaching in the classroom, you will complete a Self-Evaluation of your Teaching Skills. I will observe you teaching and provide feedback and assistance, as you work toward preparing for the CDA assessment.

GRADING:  The Grading system will be divided into two components.  

Component 1: Portfolio Assignments, covers the portfolio requirements of the CDA Assessment.  This includes the following items: 

1. 4 Exams
2. Competency Statement II (rough and revised drafts)
3. Portfolio Resource Collection (RC II 1-9; RC VI-2)
4. Professional Philosophy Statement
5. Attendance/Participation                               

Component 2: Non-Portfolio Assignments:

1. Exams:   There will be three exams during the semester over readings and material covered in class with a combination of objective, such as multiple choice and true-false, and short answer questions.  The exams will cover the subject areas to be included in the CDA Assessment.  Since mastery of the materials is important for the CDA, students will be required to retake the exams until they have achieved mastery. Missed exams must be made up within a week of the exam date.
2. Self-Evaluation of Teaching Skills: In CDA I, you will complete a Self-Evaluation of each Functional Area in both “Settings & Activities” and “Actions & Interactions”.  In this self-evaluation, you will Include two strengths and two areas of growth for each functional area. (this will be discussed in class)
3. Observations: In CDA I, you will be responsible for three different types of observations: Anecdotal, Daily Journals, Frequency Charts. This is an essential tool for excellent early childhood educators.
4. Supervisor Feedback: Your supervisor will fill out a feedback form, which you will receive at the end of the course.
5. Attendance and Participation: Your attendance and participation are essential to your success in the course.

1. Essentials for Working with Young Children 
2. The Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program and CDA Competency Standards (either Infant/Toddler OR Preschool)
3. Various handouts pertinent to the course content

Course Subjects

Content of CDA I includes:

• Learning and identifying methods to advance physical and intellectual competence
• Understanding the CDA process
• Developing skills in objective observations
• Child growth and development
• Utilizing skillls in writing, speaking, teamwork, time management, creative thinking and problem solving

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of CDEC 1417, the student will:

1. Identify methods to advance physical and intellectual competence. 

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

2. Describe the CDA process.  

• be familiar with the CDA assessment process.

3. Develop skills in objective observation. 

• be aware of and implement anecdotal observations.  

• observe and record observations objectively.

Summarize child growth and development. 

• Explain areas of development and general principles.    
• Utilize skills in writing, speaking, teamwork, time management, creative thinking, and problem solving.