An early childhood education class focuses on education and learning from preschool to kindergarten. Children are between the ages of 4 and 6 when attending preschool and kindergarten in the U.S. Early childhood education classes recognize that the focus and methods of preschool and kindergarten classes are radically different than first grade and on. Rather than focusing on specific skills, early childhood education is about socializing toddlers with one another, engaging them in group activities and encouraging them to communicate verbally and artistically.
Classes in child development look at the psychological development of children from infancy to 5 or 6 years of age. Child development begins with complete dependency on the parents and moves toward increasing autonomy. The child will begin to explore, ask questions and have motivations and desires of her own. Child development classes should look both at the biological and social aspects of development, including genetics and cultural and environmental factors.
Infant and toddler growth and development classes have a focus similar to general child development classes. They differ because they focus more specifically on toddlers between the ages of 4 and 6, the age range in which a certified associate in child development will specialize. Students will look at existing theories, such as Freudian psychology, Piaget's theory, attachment theory and comparable and conflicting behavioral theories. A CDA must also know specifics of physical, cognitive, social, motor and language development.
A CDA credential may be attained as a part of a college program, especially if that college is a trade school preparing you for a specific career. However, not all college majors in child development will include a CDA credential. Your major may instead prepare you to take a CDA credential course from the Council for Professional Recognition. The Council for Professional Recognition developed the CDA credential to ensure that children all over the U.S. were receiving equal care and attention at daycares and schools. To earn this credential, you must spend 120 hours in child care training covering 10 different content areas. You can earn a CDA credential while completing your college courses if you meet the minimum requirements of having a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, being at least 18 years of age and having 480 hours experience working with children over a five-year period.