Program Overview
Penn Foster Career School's Online Child Development Training Certificate teaches students a well-balanced view of a child’s developmental process, as well as information on the importance of health, safety, and nutrition. This Certificate fulfills the 120 hours of formal education related to professional child care that is required in order to apply for the CDA credential.
As a child care professional, you know how important the learning process is. Penn Foster Career School will help you further your own education through affordable, effective online training at a pace that’s right for you.
Penn Foster College, licensed in Arizona, also offers an Online Undergraduate Certificate in CDA Credential Preparation which not only allows you to fulfill the 120-hours of formal education required with college level courses, but also ensures that upon graduation you will have completed the Professional Portfolio necessary to apply for the CDA.
Program Goal and Outcomes
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Program Goal
This certificate is designed to meet the CDA requirement for 120 hours of formal education related to professional child care, covering the fundamentals of early childhood education, child growth and development, and health, safety, and nutrition for young children.
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Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Know how to supervise and monitor the safety of children in their care
- Understand the preparation of meals and snacks, helping children keep good hygiene, changing diapers, and sanitizing toys and play equipment
- Know how to organize activities and implement a curriculum that allow children to learn about the world and explore interests; support children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts
- Recognize signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and bring the problems to the attention of parents
- Understand the keeping of records of children’s progress, routines, and interest, including daily observations and information about activities, meals served, and medications administered
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Course 1
| ECE111 |
Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education 45 hours
This course is designed to teach you the importance and benefit of early childhood education.
Objectives:
- Describe the philosophies of various types of early childhood education programs.
- Equip and organize an effective early childhood classroom.
- Participate in a webinar and complete an observation report project.
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Additional Course Material
Textbook: Foundations of Early Childhood Education: Teaching Children in a Diverse Setting
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Course 2
| ECE220 |
Child Growth and Development 45 hours
Child growth and development is impacted by both genetics and environment.
Objectives:
- Understand the basics of child psychology.
- Recognize the interplay of both genetics and the environment on child growth and development.
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Additional Course Material
Textbook: Child Development
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Course 3
| ECE130 |
Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child 45 hours
Each day seems to bring more dire news about health, especially children’s health. However, early childhood educators and staff have the potential to create enormous, positive changes in the way children eat, exercise, and avoid injurious habits.
Objectives:
- Understand the components of a healthy lifestyle.
- Develop programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles.
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Additional Course Material
Textbooks:
- The Young Child and the Environment:
- Issues Related to Health, Nutrition, Safety, and Physical Activity
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Graded Project
Early childhood educators are responsible for selecting developmentally appropriate toys for children of various age groups and stages of development. For this graded project, research the guidelines for selecting developmentally appropriate toys for a child in a specific age group.
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Course 4
| ECE240 |
Assessment in Early Childhood Education 45 hours
The current emphasis on producing high-quality, comprehensive programming for young children requires early-learning professionals to develop excellent observation and assessment skills.
Objectives:
- Understand the purpose of observation and assessment in the early childhood classroom.
- Describe the process of collecting and recording observations.
- Foster child development in each learning area.
- Share your observations with the children’s family members.
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Additional Course Material
Textbook: Observing Development of the Young Child
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Computer Specifications
As you know this is an online academic program. This means you will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. In addition, you will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to participate in and complete your program.
Sample Lesson
To view a Child Development Training sample lesson, click here.
Child Development Training Certificate Details
Penn Foster Career School can help you gain applicable knowledge and skills to help you take the first step towards a career in child development. Topics include child psychology and relevant trends and health and care standards in the development of young children. You will complete courses covering the fundamentals of early childhood education, child growth and development, and health, safety, and nutrition for young children.
State Licensing Information
Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in this field are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered by your Penn Foster Program. You should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where you plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in your Program. Please click here for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.
