What is the training?
Students take six noncredit continuing education courses totaling 135 hours. Students seeking the national certification will need to complete coursework in three years. Classes will be offered evenings and Saturdays. Child care centers may also contract with AACC ‘s TEACH Institute to provide the courses on-site. The first three courses of the program together meet the 90-hour child care training requirements for Maryland State Department of Education/Office of Child Care. In the final course includes provisions for students to be observed working in the field by a Council-approved adviser, provided by AACC, as required by the Council for certification. Experienced childcare providers are encouraged to meet with a TEACH adviser to assess whether prior training and experience meets the qualifications for certification and therefore replaces the need for some coursework. All students will need to complete the final course which will prepare them for assessment by the Council for Professional Recognition.

What will I learn?
Participants will learn the theories, concepts, skills and techniques to being an effective child care provider. The curriculum aligns with the Council for Professional Recognition’s competency standards which include the following goals:
• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment
• Advance physical and intellectual competence 
• Support social and emotional development and to provide positive guidance 
• Establish positive and productive relationships with families
• Ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs 
• Maintain a commitment to professionalism 
More information: www.cdacouncil.org/cda_cs.htm#a1

What courses will I take?
Each of the following are noncredit, continuing education courses. Click on the course number for more information.
CDA 308 – Basic Growth and Development
CDA 309 – Classroom Experience for Young Children
CDA 310 – Using Growth and Development in Designing Experiences 
CDA 311 – Working with Infants and Toddlers (coming spring 2010)
CDA 312 – Planning for the School-Aged Child (coming spring 2010)
CDA 313 – Child Development Associate Completer (coming fall 2010)

What are the requirements to enroll?
To enroll in the courses and be eligible to earn a continuing education certificate, the only requirement is that students must be 16 years of age or older; however, the Council for Professional Recognition has additional requirements for actual certification. For more information visit their Web site at http://www.cdacouncil.org.

What is the job outlook?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, demand for child care providers is projected to increase by 18 percent during the decade ending 2016, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Average earnings for child care providers is $17,500.

What awards and credentials will I earn?
Upon successful completion of the course, students have:  

• Earned the 120 training required to become a Child Development Associate awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition and be ready for their assessment process for certification
• Met the Maryland State Department of Education/Office of Child Care’s 90 hour child care requirement for preschool teachers
• Earned an AACC continuing education certificate, and can obtain that certificate by completing and submitting a form. For details visit www.aacc.edu/coned/certificates. 

What will it cost?
Approximately $685* for Anne Arundel County residents.

How do I enroll?
New students may register online, by mail or fax, or in person. Returning students may also register by STARS touchtone phone.

Questions?
For more information, contact Stacie Burch at 410-777-2916 or sqburch@aacc.edu.