CDAD - Early Childhood Education CDA Diploma
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Program Full Description
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) CDA Practicum Certificate program is designed for ECE CDA Apprenticeship students engaging in Related Technical Instruction (RTI) and earning credit-bearing coursework from our department. This certificate program integrates classroom learning with hands-on experience at practicum or On the Job Learning (OJL) sites where students are employed as ECE professionals. The curriculum encompasses foundational ECE theories, child development, and community and family engagement, tailored to align with both NAEYC standards and the specific competencies required for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Throughout the program, students will fulfill all academic and practical requirements necessary to complete their CDA Portfolio, ensuring they are well-prepared for professional roles in early childhood education settings.
Advisor Notes
Students completing this practicum can use ECE 110, 120 and 218 towards their AAS Degree at LCCC should they wish to pursue stackable credentialing.
ECE 124 can be used as a substitute for EDU 114 in the Early Childhood Education AAS degree program.
Program Objectives
● Apply Child Development Theories: Integrate theories of child development into classroom and practicum settings, ensuring students can translate theoretical knowledge into effective teaching and caregiving practices. ● Community and Family Engagement: Demonstrate a deep understanding of diverse family and community contexts by utilizing applicable community resources to support the holistic development of children. ● Evaluate Learning Environments: Assess classroom environments and interactions using developmentally appropriate observation and screening tools to ensure they meet the standards of quality early childhood education. ● Implement Inclusive Teaching Strategies: Apply a broad repertoire of developmentally appropriate, culturally and linguistically relevant, anti-bias, and evidence-based teaching approaches that embody the principles of universal design for learning. ● Pedagogical Content Knowledge: Analyze and apply content knowledge across various academic disciplines, including language and literacy, the arts, mathematics, social studies, science, technology, engineering, and physical education, using appropriate pedagogical methods for each area. ● Professional Development and Ethics: Develop and present a professional self that adheres to the highest standards of ethics in early childhood education, enriched by robust communication skills and reflective, intentional practice. ● Readiness for CDA Credentialing: Prepare students comprehensively for the CDA Credentialing process, including readiness for the CDA exam, observation assessments, and completion of a professional CDA Portfolio. ● Application in the Field with On-the-Job Learning: Emphasize practical application through extensive on-the-job learning experiences in practicum settings, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world early childhood education environments |