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Child Growth & Development (CDA/ECE) — 45 Contact Hours | 3 Transferable College Credits
Child Growth & Development is a 45-contact-hour course that supports CDA preparation by helping participants advance children’s physical and intellectual development through developmentally appropriate practice and real-world application. It includes a CDA-aligned Resource Collection for the Professional Portfolio and manual review of competency statements to ensure they are polished and ready for CDA application portal upload.
Description
CDA + Apprenticeship Alignment (Portal-Ready)
CDA Subject Area / Competency Alignment: This course aligns to CDA requirements by strengthening participants’ ability to advance children’s physical and intellectual development through developmentally appropriate practice, intentional learning experiences, and responsive caregiving routines.
CDA Professional Portfolio: Resource Collection
Participants will develop a Resource Collection for their CDA Professional Portfolio. Resources are curated and organized to support CDA submission and include practical, job-ready tools such as:
- Child development and milestone references (age-appropriate expectations)
- Observation/documentation tools and sample notes
- Activity and lesson ideas that support cognitive, language, and physical development
- Inclusive strategies and supports for diverse learners
- Family engagement resources connected to child development and learning
Competency Statements: Manual Review (CDA-Ready)
Participants will complete written CDA Competency Statements connected to course content and workplace practice. Each competency statement receives manual review with individualized feedback to ensure:
- Clear alignment to CDA expectations and professional tone
- Real examples from practice (not generic statements)
- Accurate child development terminology and developmentally appropriate strategies
- Completeness and formatting that is ready for CDA portal upload
Exam Readiness + Apprenticeship OJT / DOL Progression
This course is designed to support CDA exam readiness and documented skill growth for U.S. DOL Registered Apprenticeship participants. Course checkpoints are aligned to On-the-Job Learning (OJT) milestones and DOL progression, so apprentices can connect what they learn in class to verified workplace competencies. Participants will:
- Demonstrate knowledge through applied assignments and knowledge checks
- Link coursework to OJT tasks and mentor/journey worker feedback
- Complete readiness checkpoints confirming portfolio components and competency statements meet submission standards
- Build confidence for the CDA exam through structured review tied to real practice and milestone progression
College Credit Requirement (If Applicable)
Apprenticeship participation is required to earn the 3 transferable college credits associated with this course. Journey workers/mentors are encouraged to participate to strengthen apprentice support and on-the-job learning alignment.
Prerequisites
Participants should be currently working in an early childhood setting (center, home-based, or program) or have access to a classroom/child observation setting to complete applied assignments. Registered Apprenticeship participation is required for participants seeking 3 transferable college credits.