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Understanding the CDA Credential and Process (CDA 6) |
2.00 |
This course introduces the CDA Credential™, a nationally recognized pathway for early childhood professionals to bolster their knowledge, hone their skills, and advance their careers. Explore the CDA process, its diverse pathways, and its potential alignment with your professional development goals. Discover how well-equipped caregivers, empowered by the CDA, contribute to nurturing environments that foster optimal learning and development for young children. |
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Understanding Poverty and Practical Strategies (CDA 3 & 4) |
2.00 |
This course empowers early care and education professionals to build strong relationships with families facing economic challenges. Delve into the realities of poverty and its impact on family dynamics. Discover practical communication strategies tailored to bridge understanding and effectively connect families with essential resources and support networks. Watch trust and collaboration flourish as you create a truly inclusive and supportive learning environment for every child. |
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Understanding Learning Theories (CDA 8) |
2.00 |
This course dives into the fascinating world of learning theories, empowering you to select activities, courses, and materials that ignite young minds. Explore key concepts that guide your choices, ensuring an age-appropriate and individualized learning experience for every child. Watch their potential blossom as you translate theory into practice, fostering a classroom environment that fuels curiosity and cultivates lifelong learners. |
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Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) (CDA 3) |
2.00 |
Children who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) face an increased risk for social-emotional, physical, and mental health issues. ACEs include abuse, neglect, parental separation or divorce, and other traumatic experiences before the age of eighteen. This course explores the awareness of trauma in young children and families and discusses the role of the early care and education professional in nurturing resilience. This course will help you to better understand ACEs and trauma. |
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The Relevance of the Child-Caregiver Attachment (CDA 7) |
2.00 |
Numerous attachment theorists identify the importance of children’s early, secure attachment bonds. Children’s relationships with their significant caregivers are the primary means for fostering healthy social and emotional development. This course introduces research and information focused on the attachment relationship, with special emphasis on observing and documenting teacher-child relationship quality to support positive outcomes for children. This course is designed to be part of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ curriculum, and covers CDA subject area 7: Observation and Assessment. It can also be taken as a stand-alone learning event or as part of a broader early childhood education curriculum.
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The Purpose for Ethical Commitment (CDA 6) |
2.00 |
This course explores the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, equipping you to uphold your responsibilities and moral obligations towards children, families, colleagues, and the wider community. Discover how this essential framework guides your interactions and decisions, fostering a foundation of trust, respect, and professionalism in your work. |
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The Importance of Stimulating and Focused Interaction (CDA 8) |
2.00 |
This course empowers early care and education (ECE) professionals to nurture young minds and hearts through meaningful connections. Explore the profound impact interactions have on children's learning, development, and relationships with teachers and peers. Discover research-backed strategies to cultivate stimulating, focused interactions from infancy onwards, setting the stage for positive outcomes and a lifelong love of learning. |
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The Importance of Sensory-Rich Play (CDA 2) |
2.00 |
This course explores the research-backed benefits of this exciting form of play, from fostering essential developmental skills to sparking joy and curiosity. However, navigating regulations and concerns in early care settings can be tricky. Dive into practical strategies to empower young children in making choices and assessing risks amidst sensory-rich, highly physical activities, nurturing confident explorers with a deep love for learning. |
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Take it Outside!: The Importance of Outdoor Play (CDA 2) |
2.00 |
This course tackles the alarming decline in outdoor play and empowers you to reclaim its critical role in children's well-being. Explore research-backed evidence highlighting the benefits of outdoor time on healthy habits, physical development, and cognitive growth. Discover practical strategies to motivate children to embrace fresh air, movement, and connection with nature, fostering happier, healthier, and stronger youngsters who thrive in the great outdoors. |
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Supporting Children and Families Through Transitions (CDA 5) |
2.00 |
This course explores the diverse transitions young children encounter within a child care setting, from joining a new program to moving between rooms or saying farewell. Gain valuable insights into the emotional and developmental impact of these experiences, and discover practical strategies to help children smoothly adjust and thrive. Empower yourself to become a champion of positive transitions, fostering a sense of security and belonging for every child under your care. |
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Successfully Implementing STEAM into the Curriculum (CDA 2) |
2.00 |
This course empowers early learning providers to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math (STEAM) into their programs, fostering engaging and impactful experiences for young minds. Discover best-practice strategies for implementing early investigative and expressive activities, transforming your preschool into a vibrant hub where excitement and learning go hand-in-hand. Watch your little learners blossom as they develop essential skills and prepare for future academic success, one playful STEAM adventure at a time! |
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Strengthening Relationships for Families with the Community (CDA 4) |
2.00 |
This course empowers early care and education (ECE) professionals to become champions of community resources for families and children. Discover how connecting families with vital services, from healthcare to educational opportunities, becomes possible through knowledge of your community's offerings. Learn to build strong relationships with families, fostering effective communication and collaboration that unlocks doors to essential information and support. |
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Strategies for Dealing with Anger (CDA 3) |
2.00 |
This course delves into the developmental journey of anger, exploring its roots in children from infancy through preschool and adults alike. Discover evidence-based strategies to help children navigate angry feelings constructively, in themselves and others. Learn valuable techniques to reduce triggers and create a supportive environment where anger is understood and managed effectively. |
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STEM in Early Childhood (CDA 2, 3, and 8) |
3.00 |
STEM is an intentional, integrative approach to teaching and learning that can occur across all knowledge areas; it is not a specific curriculum. The STEM approach focuses on providing opportunities for students to explore and develop a comprehensive set of concepts, competencies, and thinking skills. STEM competencies include a vocabulary rich in the language of science, technology, engineering and math—words like hypothesis, gravity, buoyant, balance, temperature, and battery. STEM competencies also include basic principles of engineering, like problem-solving and planning; of science, like experimentation and observation; of technology, like using tools to complete both a task and solve real world problems; and of math by recognizing that basic principles of math are part of everyday activities, like comparing and contrasting, counting, and dividing a whole to create equal parts.
This course is also designed to be part of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ curriculum. It covers Subject Area 2: Advancing Children’s Physical and Intellectual Development, Subject Area 3: Supporting Children’s Social and Emotional Development and Subject Area 8: Understanding Principles of Child Development and Learning. |
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Social Emotional Development – Problem Solving (CDA 3 & 8) |
2.00 |
This course equips you with a step-by-step approach to cultivating problem-solving skills in children. Delve into recognizing emotions, identifying conflict resolution strategies, and implementing techniques that adapt to children's social and emotional development. Watch their self-confidence soar as they learn to overcome challenges independently, fostering lifelong resilience and emotional intelligence. |
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Sleep is Essential to Good Health (CDA 1) |
2.00 |
This course delves into the science behind sleep, revealing its essential role alongside nutrition and physical activity. Explore recent research highlighting the impact of sleep on hormone regulation, obesity risk, brain development, cognitive function, and behavior. Discover age-specific sleep requirements and gain practical tips and recommendations to nurture healthy sleep habits in children, setting them on the path to well-being and success. |
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SIDS and Safe Sleep (CDA 1) |
2.00 |
Based on national standards representing the best evidence, expertise, and experience on health and safety policies and practices, and, focused on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ best practice recommendations, this course provides information on reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and for promoting safe sleep in infant care settings. This course is designed to be part of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ curriculum. It covers CDA Subject Area 1: Planning a Safe, Healthy Environment to Invite Learning. This course can also be taken as a stand-alone learning event, or as part of a broader early childhood education curriculum.
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Serving Nutritious Meals and Snacks Using CACFP Meal Patterns (CDA 1) |
2.00 |
This course covers recently revised CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) meal pattern changes. Participants will learn how to identify whole grain-rich products and low-sugar yogurts through label reading, practice planning infant meals and snacks utilizing the new meal pattern requirements and brainstorm nutritious substitutions for grain-based desserts as part of a CACFP reimbursable breakfast or snack. This course is designed to be part of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ curriculum. It covers CDA Subject Area 1: Planning a Safe, Healthy Environment to Invite Learning. This course can also be taken as a stand-alone learning event, or as part of a broader early childhood education curriculum.
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Selecting and Implementing Curriculum to Support Learning (CDA 5 & 7) |
2.00 |
This course dives into the heart of early childhood program development, empowering you to select engaging activities, courses, and resources. Explore key factors to consider and unlock effective implementation strategies that nurture your children's learning and skill development. Watch their curiosity blossom as you create a dynamic curriculum tailored to their unique needs and interests. |
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Safe Infant Sleep in Early Childhood (CDA 1 and 4) |
2.00 |
This course is focused on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ best practice recommendations for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and for promoting safe sleep in infant care settings as well as safe infant sleep policies, and how to communicate best practice for safe sleep with the families of infants in your care. This course is also designed to be part of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ curriculum. It covers Subject Area 1: Planning a Safe, Healthy Environment to Invite Learning and Subject Area 4: Building Productive Relationships with Families. |
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Respecting the Child's Perspective (CDA 3 & 4) |
2.00 |
Children and adults see the world very differently, and understanding child development helps you gain valuable insight through a child’s eyes. In this course, you will look at common situations and the ways children and adults may see them, taking into consideration what is developmentally appropriate for the children involved to find solutions that work for the children in care.
This course is also designed to be part of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ curriculum. It covers CDA Subject Area 3: Supporting Children's Social and Emotional Development, Subject Area 4: Strategies to Establish Productive Relationships with Families.
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Reduce the Spread of Germs in Child Care Programs (CDA 1) |
2.00 |
Colds, stomach viruses, and ear infections top the list of common illnesses for young children. Young children in child care centers and homes tend to get these common illnesses more frequently than young children who are not in group care. In many child care settings, illness moves quickly from one child to another. This course examines how to reduce the spread of germs in child care programs and establish ways to keep young children and the adults who care for them healthy. This course is designed to be part of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ curriculum. It covers CDA Subject Area 1: Planning a Safe, Healthy Environment to Invite Learning. This course can also be taken as a stand-alone learning event, or as part of a broader early childhood education curriculum.
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Prompting Executive Function Skills (CDA 2) |
2.00 |
Executive function, a powerhouse of cognitive skills like planning, decision-making, and self-control, plays a critical role in learning and future academic success. Research highlights the vital role of early childhood teachers in nurturing these skills. The key? Intentional, complex play. Think dramatic play, collaborative games, and open-ended activities – these become the stage for practicing and mastering these essential skills, setting children on a path to lifelong learning success. |
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Positive Guidance Toward Problem-Solving (CDA 3) |
2.00 |
Early interactions in infancy and toddlerhood often involve exploring boundaries through behaviors like grabbing toys, pulling hair, or biting. This course delves into the reasons behind these behaviors and equips professionals with positive guidance strategies to help children learn conflict resolution without resorting to harm. Through self-assessment tools, you can evaluate your current practices and identify areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing the quality of care for infants and toddlers in your setting. |
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Planning for and Implementing Transitions (CDA 5) |
2.00 |
Most early childhood professionals say transitions are especially difficult times for young children. This course focuses on helping children as they move from one activity to another throughout the day. In this course, participants will: Analyze transition times during the day to determine where improvements need to be made; and Identify four tools to use to improve daily transition times with children. This course is designed to be part of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ curriculum. It covers CDA Subject Area 5: Strategies to Manage Effective Program Operation and may also be taken as a stand-alone learning event, or as part of a broader early childhood education curriculum. |
