Child Development Associate Certificate

Program Director: Claudine Campanelli, Ed.D.
Director of Career Development and Higher Education
NYC Early Childhood Professional Development Institute
119 West 31^st Street
New York, NY 10001
Email Contact: claudine.campanelli@cuny.edu:

The Program

The Child Development Associate Certificate, offered in partnership with the NYC Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, was created in response to new educational mandates, as well as the need for early childhood professionals to master the knowledge and skills needed to create effective learning environments for children.

The program prepares students to communicate effectively, learn and use new technology, think critically and creatively, and demonstrate cultural awareness. The courses are designed for students who intend to pursue advanced study in early childhood education or a related discipline, and for those who will seek employment or career advancement upon completion of an undergraduate degree program. The structure and curriculum of the CDA Certificate are designed to complement the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing Program’s Competency Standards.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Child Development Associate Certificate will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the use of the developmental perspective in their work with young children and families.
2. Support second-language learners and children with special needs in early childhood education programs effectively.
3. Examine and reflect on their teaching, both orally and in writing.
4. Apply effective classroom practices and create developmentally appropriate learning environments.
5. Use strategies and techniques to strengthen connections between their centers and children’s homes.
6. Use skills and resources to assist parents in caring effectively for their children.
7. Communicate orally and in writing effectively as early child care professionals.
8. Identify short- and long-term careers goals and explain the value of completing a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Admission Criteria

Candidates for admission to undergraduate level certificate programs must possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) diploma. A writing sample is also required.

Applications will be reviewed to determine whether prospective students can satisfy the writing requirements and overall responsibilities of a CDA candidate. Current employment and background as an assistant teacher is an advantage but not essential for admission.

Upon admission into the program, students must also:

• Sign a statement of ethical conduct.
• Meet with the CDA Coordinator to identify a state-approved child development center where they can complete the required fieldwork hours per course and can be observed for final assessment, if intending to receive the CDA credential. If students are not currently employed by a state-approved Center, the CDA Coordinator will provide them with a list of approved programs, and will work with them to set up their fieldwork.

Curriculum

In order to earn the CDA Certificate, students must complete the required courses, a portfolio, and a formal observation to be submitted to the Council for Professional Recognition for review. These courses prepare students to:

• Bring a strong developmental perspective to their work with young children and families;
• Support second-language learners and children with special needs;
• Create opportunities to examine and reflect on their teaching;
• Improve classroom practice and learning environments through hands-on activities;
• Strengthen connections between their Centers and children’s homes; and,
• Build a repertoire of skills and resources to assist parents in caring effectively for their children.