The Child Development Associate degree takes 120 hours, or four full semesters of school, to complete. To obtain a CDA through schooling, you can enroll at a technical college, community college or accredited online university (check the Council for Professional Recognition to see if a school is accredited). You can also train for 120 clock hours at a qualified day care, such as a Head Start facility.
Every school is different, but all accredited CDA programs will require you to pay for tuition, books and supplies. If you are planning on attending traditional college or enrolling in an online program, you will need to file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for loans, grants or even if your school has awarded you a scholarship. The application process takes about an hour to complete, and FAFSA will respond to your application in three to five days.
CDA classes fall into eight general categories: learning environment, children’s physical and intellectual development, social and emotional development, relationships with families, program management, professionalism, observing and recording children’s behavior, and principles of child development. The CDA requires you to fulfill 10 hours of study in each category, and 40 hours in whichever categories you would like.
Introductory child development classes include motor development in early childhood, cognitive development, language development, effect of the media on young children, family relations including children of divorced parents, child abuse, positive discipline, and age-specific aspects of development ranging from birth to five year old.
Business classes provide you with the tools you need to start your own day care or operate an existing one with professionalism and balance. Because clients will trust you to care for their children, it is essential that you demonstrate that you are organized and knowledgeable. Introductory business classes include ethics, team building, staff evaluation, legal issues, customer service, stress management, health and safety standards for day cares, and developing an appropriate curriculum.