Child Development Associate Training
Child Development Associate Training
If you like working with children, a career as a childcare professional might be right for you. Mississippi State University's online Child Development Associate Training will help you gain the knowledge needed to earn your national Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, while working at your own pace in a flexible, online format.
Program At a Glance
Career Area: Child Development and Education
Ideal for: Current daycare workers, preschool workers, and those interested in a career in child care.
Average Salary in Mississippi: $22,000 + annually
Average Salary in U.S.: $24,500+ annually
Job Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of childcare workers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2019 to 2029.
Program Format: Online via partnership with ed2go
Program Length: Self-paced; students have 6 months to complete the course after enrolling
Tuition Cost: $850 - Financial assistance is available
What Does a Child Development Associate do?
The CDA Credential shows employers that you are a true professional, with the skills and experience needed to be successful in working with children. It is therefore useful in many different fields, including preschool and elementary school teacher, teaching assistant, nanny, and child care provider.
About the Child Development Associate Program
This online course in childcare and education will allow you to earn your national Child Development Associate (CDA) certification and achieve your career goals as a teacher or child care professional. This convenient, affordable CDA class allows you to work at your own pace in a flexible, self-directed online learning environment—and go on to a fulfilling career shaping the minds of the future.
About CDA Certification
Council for Professional Recognition
The Council for Professional Recognition provides services and guidance to professionals in the field of early childhood education and development. The council helps improve the performance of teachers, childcare providers, and others to ensure they're meeting the needs of all children aged birth to five years. The administration of the Child Development Associate® (CDA) National Credentialing Program is one way they help to promote professionalism and expertise in this area. To date, more than 370,000 CDA credentials have been awarded, and you can be one of the recipients when you complete a certified online course.
What You Will Learn
- The development stages for infants, toddlers, and pre-school-age children.
- How to establish positive and productive relationships with personnel, parents and families, and children.
- How to effectively manage a child care facility.
- Procedures and strategies to provide a safe and enriching child care environment.
How You Will Benefit
- Complete the professional development requirements you will need in order to apply for the National CDA Credential.
- Prepare for a career as an elementary or middle school teacher, substitute teacher, preschool or child care provider, or nanny or babysitter.
- Earn a certificate of completion you can add to your resume and use as a stepping stone to career success!
Child Development Certification Curriculum
The second section is all about relationships—not only with the children's parents, but with the children themselves. Relationship building is an essential part of being a successful Child Development Associate. In seminar 1, we talk about establishing positive relationships with parents and families, while in seminar 2, we'll discuss providing a safe and secure child care environment.
In the third section, we'll delve into the milestones of child development and teach you how to be a supportive, positive influence in any child's life. Seminar 1 will cover the development stages for infants, toddlers, and pre-school-age children, and seminar 2 will review effective techniques for fostering positive self-esteem.
What You Receive When You Complete the Program
Upon successfully completing this program, you'll be awarded a certificate of completion from Mississippi State University. You will have also met the 120 hours of professional development required by the Council of Professional Recognition for CDA certification.
Ready to enroll?
Admission to the Child Development Associate Training program is open to any interested student. There are no prerequisites you must meet to enroll. You can enroll and start the program at any time.
Common Questions
When you complete your CDA training online with Mississippi State University, you can study at your own pace and finish the 120 hours of required coursework in six months or less. The time to complete the remaining requirements for your CDA Credential will depend on your previous work experience and how quickly you complete your application.
The CDA Credential shows employers that you are a true professional, with the skills and experience needed to be successful in working with children. It is therefore useful in many different fields, including preschool and elementary school teacher, teaching assistant, nanny, and child care provider.
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA or Pell Grant. Financing is available through other private, military, and government funding options. Learn more about financial assistance.