Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Program offered by Bank Street’s Professional Development Office is part of a national effort to forge a framework for high quality early childhood education and to create a community of learners.

REGISTER NOW: SUNY EIP starts May 15, 2012

Candidates for the credential undertake the following course work:

• Child Development: Birth to Five
• Observing and Recording Children’s Behavior
• Integrated Curriculum and Learning Environment for Infants and Toddlers or Preschoolers
• Building Relationships, Parent and Family Engagement, Program Management, and Professionalism

Please view the 2012/13 CDA Coursework Schedule

Advisement: An advisor leads a forum for exchanging ideas and deepening participants’ understanding of early education so they can integrate theory with their practice.

Internship: Candidates complete their internship in each of their early childcare settings. Site placement is provided when necessary to gain first-hand experience as a lead teacher/caregiver  of young children.

Bank Street’s Child Development Associate credential features:

• An approach that strengthens the knowledge base of early childhood professionals while modeling inquiry-based learning;
• A multidisciplinary  approach that covers all dimensions of child development from birth through age five, within the context of family, culture, and community;
• A focus on early learning guidelines and standards;
• A relationship-based  approach to working with children and families;
• A focus on self-reflection to build practical skills and professional self-awareness;
• Small classes and close relationships among faculty and students;
• A faculty known for excellence in teaching and community engagement on behalf of children and families.

Bank Street’s CDA program provides a foundation to advance on a career pathway in early childhood education.