Full program description
Program Overview:
Prepare for the nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential, the most widely recognized and accepted credential in early childhood education (ECE) nationwide. 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 fully online, instructor-supported program lets you learn on your schedule. There are 10 courses in this program, covering all eight subject areas of the CDA Credential. Each course takes about 15 hours to complete, with a recommended pace of one course per month (approximately 4 hours per week). Courses are designed to follow a suggested progression, beginning with CDA Foundations: Program and Portfolio, which provides an overview of the CDA process and supports portfolio development. You'll have up to 18 months to complete the full program, giving you the flexibility to balance learning with your personal and professional responsibilities while staying on track to earn your CDA Credential with confidence. To earn credit for training, learners must complete all course modules, assignments, and assessments with a minimum score of 70%. Assessments may be retaken as needed to meet this requirement.
Included Courses:
CDA Foundations Program and Portfolio: This interactive handbook is your companion through the CDA Prep Program, designed to guide you step-by-step toward earning your Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential.
Course 1: Planning a Safe and Healthy Learning Environment—Create clean, secure, and nurturing spaces that support children's health and safety. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 1.
Course 2: Advancing Children’s Physical and Intellectual Development—Support motor skills, problem-solving, and creativity through intentional play and learning. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 2.
Course 3: Supporting Children’s Social and Emotional Development—Help children build confidence, manage emotions, and form positive relationships. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 3.
Course 4: Building Productive Relationships with Families—Learn strategies for engaging families as partners in each child’s growth. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 4.
Course 5: Managing an Effective Program Operation—Develop organizational and leadership skills for a successful classroom or center. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 5.
Course 6: Maintaining a Commitment to Professionalism—Strengthen your professional identity through ethical practices and ongoing learning. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 6.
Course 7: Observing and Recording Children’s Behavior—Practice techniques for documenting development and using observations effectively. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 7.
Course 8: Understanding Principles of Child Development and Learning—Gain a solid foundation in how young children grow, learn, and develop from birth to age five. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 8.
Course 9: Early Childhood Classroom Management—Learn practical tools for guiding behavior and creating structured, positive environments. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Areas 5 & 6.
Course 10: Orientation to the Early Childhood Workplace—Prepare for real-world success with insight into roles, responsibilities, and expectations in the field. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 6.
Program Format:
Online program.
Program Contact(s):
Elizabeth Ireland | Center for Family Policy and Research | email: irelande@missouri.edu
Department:
Health and Human Sciences
Program Completion:
Program completion certificate
Audience:
Early childhood professionals and aspiring early childhood professionals.
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.
If you experience a digital accessibility issue at any time, on our website or during registration and enrollment, please let us know.
Cancellations and Refund Requests
Access MU Extension’s Course Cancellation and Refund Policy for details.