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Effective: Fall 2007
The Child Development Associate Certificate of Competency (ECA) is intended for students who wish to earn the national Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) from the Council for Professional Recognition. Earning the national credential will prepare the student for entry-level positions in early care and education programs. The ECA certificate meets the required professional development for earning the CDA and prepares the student to complete their Professional Portfolio and Resource file. There are optional internships available to assist the student in acquiring the 480 hours of professional experience required to earn the CDA. There are additional requirements for assessment that are outside the scope of this certificate. See the Council for Professional Recognition website for more information on earning the CDA, www.cdacouncil.org.
The ECA Certificate seamlessly articulates into the Associate of Art in Early Childhood Education program of study.
Mandatory Clearances
Students enrolled in Early Childhood Education (ECED), Child Development Associate (ECA), and Early Childhood Education Professional Core (ECP) will be required to complete mandatory clearances prior to registration in field placement and child laboratory courses. Students who do not have or obtain clearances will not be permitted to continue in the program.