Learn fundamental concepts in Early Care and Education. Courses focus on child development, learning and culture as well as teaching techniques, observation, and curriculum.
Before enrolling in this program, students must be working in a Department of Health Services-licensed, Department of Economic Security-certified, or tribally-regulated program with children from birth through age 5 years not yet in kindergarten. Most courses are site based at the student’s place of employment.
What can I do with this certificate?
Career Options: Apply for the national Child Development Associate credential; or meet the CDA equivalency as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), develop skills working with young children, or use the coursework to meet the state Department of Health Services professional development requirements. Completion meets the requirements for Level C of the Early Childhood Workforce Career Lattice.
Academic Options: Submit these courses as the formal early childhood education requirement for the eight CDA subject areas for the national CDA credential. Continue your studies by applying your coursework towards the Early Childhood Assistant Educator Certificate and/or the Early Childhood Studies AAS.
Department/Contact Information:
Dean: 520-206-5105
Center for Early Childhood Studies: 520-206-5245
Lead Faculty: 520-206-5107
Conditional Enrollment Program:
You will be eligible to enroll in CDA/ECE courses once you have completed the requirement listed above and the Department has authorized your enrollment. See the program director or advisor for more information.
Conditional Program/Major Codes: CRTCDP/9CDP