As seasoned Early Childhood educators, college professors, and certified CDA Professional Development Specialists, we understand the need for quality training. The outcome of good, professional development for early childhood teachers should be improved practice in their programs, to make him or her a better teacher. It is not just about a completion certificate. This is our philosophy.
We designed our training to provide important things the others do not. Our courses are very different. They are student-focused and competency-based.
Here are some examples of how our courses follow our philosophy:
NOT self-guided or minimally administered. Instead, students actually feel like they are in a small class with a fully participating instructor. There are weekly, live Zoom sessions, where assignments can be clarified, students can discuss course topics together, and the instructor can answer questions and enrich course content. These class sessions also include guest speakers related to the course content.
NOT based on brief, generalized content. Students have a chance to dig in deep and really learn about the course material from multiple resources and the most up-to-date research. Courses cover each of the 13 CDA Functional Areas, and the 8 CDA Subject Areas, using not only the CDA Essentials text, but also multiple, supplementary materials, including online resources and videos. Our training also based on state Early Learning Standards and Core Knowledge and Competencies.
NOT evaluating student learning based on auto-graded, multiple choice quizzes or tests. Rather, students are evaluated through weekly written assignments and quizzes that are graded by their instructor. There is further evaluation through participation on discussion boards and in Zoom sessions. Feedback for every assignment is provided, as well as remedial suggestions and enrichment opportunities, if needed.
NOT making our goal "getting through courses in the quickest time possible." On the contrary. Getting the most out of each course and gaining an education that can be put into practice with young children is key. We feel the CDA is more than a certificate. It is an entryway to lifelong learning and professional development. We want our students to become excellent early care and education providers.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide high quality, online instruction to early childhood professionals that will translate to improved practices in their programs, to the benefit of the children and families they serve. We are committed to offering courses that are research-based, illustrate exemplary developmentally appropriate practices, and are taught by highly qualified instructors. We are committed to providing outstanding, personalized student support throughout the course.
The Early Childhood CDA Training Center abides by the Standards put forth by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Our Training Agency strictly follows the framework for education programs that includes:
the establishment of an appropriate responsibility and control system
the adoption of an analytic approach to establishing learning needs
a plan to establish and execute a quality learning event
the establishment of appropriate assessment criteria
the need to monitor and improve the learning process to achieve desired learning outcomes