Catalog

Catalogs

Image	Title	Duration (hours)	Description
	Family-Teacher Relationships (CDA 4)	2.00	How do you view the families of the children in your classroom? If you were to generate a list of words to describe families, what kinds of positive and negative feelings would they convey? When we see ourselves as partners with the families we serve, the quality of care and nurturing children receive is greatly enhanced. Establishing such partnerships and building relationships is our responsibility. Communication strategies, such as practicing active listening, are key to this process. In this course, participants will describe the importance and benefits of establishing meaningful relationships with families and identify strategies for establishing meaningful relationships. This course is designed to be part of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ curriculum. It covers CDA Subject Area 4: Strategies to Establish Productive Relationships with Families. This course can also be taken as a stand-alone learning event, or as part of a broader early childhood education curriculum.
	ADHD (CDA 8)	2.00	In a 2015 survey, one half of children in preschool were on medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). People with ADHD tend to be visionaries, dreamers, explorers, inventors, and trend setters. In this course, we will explore ADHD as a disorder that can negatively affect a child’s life, and as a trait that may be beneficial in helping a child grow into a successful adult. This course is designed to be part of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ curriculum and covers CDA Subject Area 8, Understanding Principles of Child Development and Learning. This course can also be taken as a stand-alone learning event or as part of a broader early childhood education curriculum.
	21st Century Skills in Early Childhood (CDA 2, 3, and 8)	2.00	In this course, you will identify skills considered to be essential for success in the 21st century and examine the critical connection between these skills and academic learning. You will also explore how two Key Learning Areas from Learning Standards for Early Childhood - Social and Emotional Development and Approaches to Learning through Play - can help you promote the development of 21st Century Skills in the children with whom you work. 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.
	Creating a Supportive Classroom Community (CDA 3)	2.00	Learn ways to bring out nurturing, caring behaviors in children and youth to create a classroom community where children and youth support each other. Learn how to use non-competitive games to foster acceptance of all children and youth. Identify the strengths and weaknesses for both you and the children and youth in your program, and how to put the strengths to good use creating a sense of acceptance and community. This course is 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 and may also be taken as a stand-alone learning event or as part of a broader early childhood education curriculum.
	Developing Methods of Observation (CDA 7)	2.00	Learning child observation skills can be a powerful tool for solving some of the most difficult problems faced by child care providers. Concerned about a child’s behavior? Want to know how to plan successful activities? Observation skills can help. Learn more about each child and his/her development using the methods of observation in this course. This course provides examples of good observation techniques and demonstrates skills necessary for useful observations. It covers CDA subject area 7: Observation and Assessment, and can also be taken as a stand-alone learning event or as part of a broader early childhood education curriculum.
	Assessing and Implementing a Safe Child Care Environment (CDA 1 & 5)	2.00	Little explorers have big ambitions! As infants and toddlers embark on their journey of discovery, their safety becomes your top priority. This course equips you with the knowledge and tools to proactively create safe and stimulating environments. Learn to assess play spaces, evaluate activities, and refine existing practices, fostering a nurturing atmosphere where exploration and safety flourish hand-in-hand.
	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.
$""$	Hands-On Math Learning Activities (CDA 2)	2.00	Move beyond counting! This course unveils the exciting world of early math beyond simple number recognition. Witness engaging demonstrations of age-appropriate activities for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, igniting their natural curiosity and love for mathematical concepts. Immerse yourself in the power of hands-on learning, the cornerstone of building strong foundational math skills in young minds.
	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.
	Observation and Assessment of the Learning Environment (CDA 7)	2.00	Research finds that the quality of a child’s early learning environment has a significant impact on his well-being and ability to learn. This course focuses on two significant aspects of environmental quality: the relationships and rich interactions that happen in the classroom, and the physical setting and learning materials. Special emphasis is placed on observation and assessment of the learning environment to make improvements and support positive outcomes for children. The course covers how professionals who work with young children can use observation and assessment as a way to support children’s development (social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and approaches to learning), inform teaching practices, enhance interactions with children, and plan activities for young 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.
	Food Safety Practices (CDA 1)	2.00	Safeguarding young minds and bodies is paramount in child care, and food safety plays a crucial role. This course empowers both center and home-based practitioners with vital knowledge and skills to combat foodborne illness (FBI), prevent choking hazards, and minimize other food-related injuries. Discover comprehensive guidelines for implementing effective food safety practices, ensuring you cultivate a healthy and secure environment for every child entrusted to your care.
	Developing Children's Emergent Literacy Skills (CDA 2)	2.00	Spark curiosity, and inspire imagination: Watch young minds blossom as they build pre-reading and writing skills! This course equips you with playful, effective approaches to foster essential emergent literacy skills, setting the stage for future reading and writing success.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	Daily Schedule Development with Child-Centered Activities (CDA 5)	2.00	This course delves into the essential balance of structure and flexibility within early learning environments. Discover how a well-ordered daily schedule fosters confidence and security in young children while nurturing their natural curiosity. Explore strategies for creating age-appropriate schedules that meet their developmental needs and unlock the power of child-centered learning opportunities.
	Identifying Essential Components of Child Care Supervision (CDA 1 & 5)	2.00	This course delves into the heart of quality child care: effective supervision. Identify and analyze key components of best practices, fostering safe and enriching environments for children. Through critical reflection and comparison of current methods, discover invaluable opportunities to enhance your supervision strategies and empower a thriving learning environment.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	Incorporating Physical Activity Into Every Day (CDA 2)	2.00	This course empowers childcare providers to overcome common challenges and integrate joyful physical activity into their daily routines. Discover practical, budget-friendly solutions to overcome barriers related to space, equipment, and even your expertise. Learn from a leading physical education expert and unlock a treasure trove of engaging activities that get kids moving, laughing, and learning.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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!