Full course description
Course Overview:
Prepare for the nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential—the most widely accepted certification in early childhood education. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to advance, this program helps you build essential skills, boost your confidence, and meet job qualifications.
This course introduces key components of managing a high-quality early childhood program. Students will explore topics including leadership, licensing, budgeting, funding, staffing, facility planning, and program evaluation. The course also covers working with families, volunteers, and communities—while aligning practices with NAEYC standards and CDA competencies.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the high-quality childcare services that align with NAEYC’s professional standards and competencies. (CDA FA 12, 13)
- Recognize opportunities to improve knowledge, confidence, and competence. (CDA FA 13)
- Develop the hard and soft skills necessary to run an effective program efficiently. (CDA FA 1)
Instructor(s):
Aileen Garcia and Elizabeth Ireland
Accommodations
University of Missouri Extension complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability and need accommodations in connection with participation in an educational program or you need materials in an alternate format, please notify your instructor as soon as possible so that necessary arrangements can be made. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. All requests must be made a minimum of 14 days before course start date. MU Extension will attempt to implement late requests but cannot guarantee they will be met.
Cancellations and Refund Requests
Access MU Extension’s Course Cancellation and Refund Policy for details.