Professional Series

Child Development Associate (CDA)

This series is designed to provide the educational component of the national credentialing program administered by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. Students may pursue the Infant/Toddler CDA or the Preschool CDA credential. The CDA is accepted by the Department of Human Services for group teacher positions in licensed day care centers. In addition to course work and portfolio preparation, the candidate needs to meet work experience requirements. Candidates work closely with a CDA advisor (Atlantic Cape instructors may serve as advisors) to document the educational and work experience in preparation of a formal assessment by a Council representative. (Additional non-college fees are assessed by the Council.) It is strongly recommended that the student take the Placement Test and enroll in the required reading/writing courses to assure that the portfolio requirements are met. These courses can be applied toward Atlantic Cape’s Child Development/Child Care, Associate in Applied Science degree.

For information, contact department chair, Dr. Beth Sanders-Rabinowitz, at (609)343-4982 or bsanders@atlanticcape.edu.

Upon completion of this program students will be able to:
  • Discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy, safe learning environment;
  • Summarize the physical and intellectual development of young children;
  • Provide positive guidance in the classroom that supports the social and emotional development of young children;
  • Explain the importance of positive relationships with families;
  • Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism.

(ZCDA) 

Total Credits
12