Offers a 120-hour CDA program. The CDA program represents a national effort to credential qualified caregivers who work with children from birth through age five. The continuing education department offers a CDA program for the three childcare settings: Home visitor personnel; Family child care and Center-based. The CDA competency standards are the core of the program in addition to learning pediatric first aid and the identification and reporting of child abuse/neglect. The program will be directed in the following 8 content areas: Planning safe healthy environment to invite learning; Steps to advance children’s physical and intellectual development; Positive ways to support children’s social and emotional development; Strategies to establish productive relationships with families; Strategies to manage an effective program operation; Maintaining commitment to professionalism; Observing/recording children’s behavior; and Principles of child growth and development. The Child Development Associate is a person who has successfully complete CDA assessment and has been awarded the CDA Credential. S/he is able to meet the specific needs of children and works with parents and other adults to nurture children's physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth in a child development framework. Credentials are not awarded solely for the successful completion of the 120 hour course. CDA candidates are also required to have 480 hours of experience working with children under 5 years of age in a structured child care center within the past 5 years. It is recommended that students incorporate the work experience component during the course work. Call for more detailed information.