CDA Program

WCC offers course work and field placement experiences which prepares you for your national CDA Credential.

CDA Credential

The Child Development Associate Credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement.

The Child Development Associate Credential or CDA is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide child care staff as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children. The CDA is a credible and valid credential, recognized by the profession. Put simply, people with the CDA credential know how to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of children. Over 800,000 CDA credentials have been issued to date!

The CDA is recognized by the State of Michigan Child Care Licensing as a qualification needed for a lead teacher in a child care center or family child care home.

CDA Classes at Washtenaw Community College

ECD 122: Essentials of Early Care and Education - I

This 4-credit class covers content in six of the CDA Functional Areas: Safe, Healthy, Learning Environment, Families, Program Management and Professionalism. Students complete assignments that are required elements for their CDA Professional Portfolio. This class is currently offered online.

ECD 132: Child Development Practicum I (taken with ECD 122)

This 1-credit practicum gives students experience working in a child care setting while they are taking ECD 122. Students will work or volunteer in a licensed child care center or family child care home, spending 120 hours in direct contact with children. Students work with a WCC instructor to improve their teaching skills. They record themselves teaching and share the recording with their instructor. They meet via Zoom to get personalized coaching, including identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and setting goals.

ECD 123: Essentials of Early Care and Education - II

This 4-credit class covers content in the remaining seven CDA Functional Areas: Physical, Cognitive, Communication, Creative, Self, Social, and Guidance. Students complete the remaining required assignments for their CDA Professional Portfolio, including constructing a professional philosophy statement. This class is currently offered online.

eCD 133: Child Development Practicum II (taken with ECD 123)

Similar to ECD132, this final practicum experience includes an additional 120 hours working or volunteering in a licensed child care center or family child care home. Students continue to refine their teaching skills by working with their instructor through observing recordings of their teaching experiences and identifying strengths and areas of improvement.

ECD 124: CDA Assessment Preparation (Optional)

This optional, 1-credit class is offered to prepare students for their national Child Development Associate credentialing process. Students review all of the material in their Professional Portfolio, take practice exams, and review the site visit procedures.

Final Steps to Obtain a National CDA Credential

Once students have completed their coursework at WCC, there are several additional steps to take to receive their national CDA credential. They will:

  • Document an additional 240 hours working in a licensed child care program (for a total of 480 hours)

  • Complete the CDA Application and submit payment

  • Schedule and take their CDA Exam (this can be done at WCC or at EMU's testing center)

  • Schedule and complete a site visit with an approved CDA PD Specialist (they will review the student's CDA Professional Portfolio)

  • Receive the national CDA Credential!