What is a (CDA) Child Development Associate ?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally recognized certification in Early Childhood Education (ECE) that provides valuable opportunities for teens interested in pursuing a meaningful career path or exploring career options. Attaining the CDA showcases a commitment to quality care and education for young children, a skill set that is increasingly in demand across Arizona and throughout the country. This course is designed for ESA students and offers several advantages: it is fully funded, flexible, and customized for independent learners. Parents can feel confident knowing their teens are acquiring practical knowledge, creating a professional portfolio, and earning a certificate of completion. This credential can facilitate access to real-world job opportunities, internships, and potentially future college credit. With AZ Cert Prep powered by Excellence, students are not only accumulating hours towards certification but also taking significant steps toward their future careers. Those who attain the CDA Credential are equipped to apply the CDA Competency Standards, which are essential for supporting children's success during various developmental stages. Moreover, CDAs play a crucial role in fostering children’s emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development. The benefits of obtaining the CDA Credential extend beyond personal achievement; it connects educators to a wider community of early childhood professionals. To date, more than 800,000 CDA credentials have been granted, with approximately 40,000 being issued for initial certification and renewals each year.

Are you searching for a meaningful elective that prepares teens for real-world career opportunities? The CDA Prep Course offered through AZ Cert Prep is the perfect choice.

ESA-Approved & Fully Online

Direct Pay Vendor on ClassWallet

Designed For ESA/Homeschooling Families

This course prepares students for a career in Early Childhood Education and provides them with an introduction to taking a college course in ECE.

Aligned with National Child Development Associate (CDA) Standards 

This course empowers your student to earn prestigious credentials in Early Childhood Education through the Council for Professional Recognition.

ESA Approved 

Portfolio Building Support, Exam Readiness Support, & Internship Opportunities Available

120 hours--Council for Professional Recognition Aligned 

About the Course

Calling all aspiring early childhood educators, job seekers, and ESA-funded students! Our course is your gateway to success in the field. Whether you're a parent, paraprofessional, teen ready for a career job, or career changer, this self-paced online program provides the essential knowledge and skills required to excel in early childhood education. Join us to unlock a world of opportunities and achieve your CDA credential with confidence.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Gain foundational knowledge in child development, classroom management, health and safety, family engagement, lesson planning, and professional conduct.

Flexible and Self-Paced

100% online course that allows you to learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Internship opportunities available. 

Certificate of Completion

Receive a certificate of completion with lifelong verification using a certificate ID to showcase your readiness for the CDA exam.

Meet Your Instructor

Crystal Hale, M.Ed., is an ADE-certified educator committed to empowering learners from diverse backgrounds. With over twelve years of experience in early childhood and K-12 education, as well as teacher training, she focuses on fostering student success through culturally responsive teaching, digital learning platforms, and project-based curriculum design. Crystal has developed academic intervention programs, provided instructional coaching using Jim Knight’s Impact Cycle, and created curricula for grades K-12. She has also implemented native language immersion programs and training aligned with AZ Job Connection and Arizona state standards. As the Founder of AZ Cert Prep, she prepares individuals for important educational certifications, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), aimed at those interested in supporting neurodivergent individuals. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Principalship) from Arizona State University, a Master of Arts in Education and Innovation from Webster University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Maryville University. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Maryville University, demonstrating her commitment to equity and excellence in education. As a member of the National Parenting Education Network (NPEN), Crystal advocates for accessible, high-quality educational opportunities for underserved populations, non-traditional students, homeschool students, GED graduates, adult learners, and Native American communities. Her leadership and innovative programs have been recognized for their positive impact on educational systems and student empowerment. Crystal is dedicated to empowering the next generation of transformative early childhood educators.

Why I Teach

I teach because every child deserves a strong and confident start, and that begins with exceptional, well-prepared educators. Every high school student should have the opportunity to explore their career possibilities before graduation. Throughout my journey, I have dedicated myself to empowering others to lead, learn, and teach with intention, especially within underserved communities. Whether you are returning to the workforce, changing careers, or seeking stability through the CDA credential, I am here to help you recognize your immense value, develop your skills, and achieve your goals. My passion is in inspiring future educators to embrace the power of their lived experiences, strengths, and voices, as these elements are vital in the classroom. Teaching is more than just imparting knowledge; it is a profound calling. If you have found your way here, you have already answered that call! Let us embark on this transformative journey together.

CDA Prep Course Curriculum

11 Chapters · 62 Lessons

  1. 1

    Welcome & Course Overview

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome Email

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Enrollment Packet

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      TED Talk: The Importance of Early Childhood

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Intro to CDA (Child Development Associate)

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Setting Learning Goals

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      AZ Cert Prep Student Handbook

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Syllabus (120 hours)

  2. 2

    Policies & Procedures

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1: Attendance, Participation, & Pacing Expectations

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2: Technology Requirements & Troubleshooting

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3: Academic Honesty& Code of Conduct

  3. 3

    Ethics, Professional Boundaries & Conduct in Early Childhood Education

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Professionalism & Ethics in Early Childhood Education

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Commitment to Professionalism

  4. 4

    Foundations of Child Development

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Developmental Milestones

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Reflection

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Theories of Child Development

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Theories QUIZ

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Handout 1

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Handout 2

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding the Role of Play in Child Development

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Montessori's Educational Approach-Maria Montessori

  5. 5

    Stages of Early Childhood Development

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Infant (0-12 months)

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding Infancy QUIZ

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Toddler (1-3 years)

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding Toddlers QUIZ

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Toddler Stage Planning Assignment

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Preschool (3-5 years)

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Preschool Lesson Design

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Early School Age (5-8 Years)

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Supporting the Stages of Development

  6. 6

    Classroom Management Strategies

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Day in the Life of a Preschool Teacher

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Classroom Management in Preschool

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson Planning Across Early Childhood Education Classrooms

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      ECE Lesson Plan Template (I Do, You Do, We Do)

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Apply Your Learning Assignment

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Application in Practice/Reflection

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Behavior Management in Early Childhood

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Behavior Management QUIZ

  7. 7

    Health, Safety & Nutrition

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Health, Safety, and Nutrition in Early Childhood Settings

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Promoting Healthy Habits

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Ensuring a Safe Learning Environment

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Preventing/Managing Communicable Diseases

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Planning a Safe/Healthy Learning Environments

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Reflection

  8. 8

    Family Engagement

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Ethics and Professional Conduct

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Building Relationship w/Families

  9. 9

    CDA Competency Standards

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Overview of the CDA Competency Standards

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      CDA Life Cycle (3 Phases)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      CDA Verification Visit (Videos/Text)

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Registering for the CDA Exam in Arizona

  10. 10

    Understanding Internships in Early Childhood Education

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Exploring Internships: Gaining Real-World Experience in Early Childhood Education

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Internship Planning Worksheet (CDA)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Internship Professionalism QUIZ

  11. 11

    After Passing the CDA Exam

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Legal Requirements

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Level-One Fingerprint Clearance Card

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Your Options for Employment

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      ECE Organizations

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Resume

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Building Your Portfolio

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Portfolio Checklist

Ready to Lead The Next Generation ? 

Embark on the rewarding journey of becoming a certified Early Childhood Educator. We invite you to enroll today and take the first step toward achieving your CDA credential. Together, we can achieve your career goals.

$697.00

Enroll Now