Early Care (ECE)

This course introduces the paraprofessional in early childhood education to the Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing process and provides comprehensive instruction in early childhood education. The first three CDA competency goals and functional areas are discussed. Students begin to develop a professional resource file. Students who enroll in this course must have (within the past five years) at least 480 hours of experience working with children from infancy through children five years old in a group setting. Strategies learned in this course will be practiced in the student’s childcare center.

This course builds on the knowledge and skills of developed in ECE 101. It focuses on practical skills needed to successfully complete the Child Development Associate (CDA). The last three competency goals and functional areas are discussed. Students complete the professional resource file. Students enroll in this course must have (within the past five years) at least 480 hours of experience working with children from infancy through children five years old in a group setting. Strategies learned in the course will be practiced in the student’s childcare center.

Pre-requisites: ECE 101 with a minimum grade of C

This course allows the paraprofessional to develop and demonstrate professional standards and practical skills in an early childhood setting. It provides students the opportunity to put theory into practice. Students are required to document working hours towards the requisite 480 hours of experience in one of the following childcare settings: center-based preschool, center-based infant/toddler facility, or a family childcare facility.

Pre-requisites: ECE 101 with a minimum grade of C