1. Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credential
Mineral Area College
Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credential

2. The Child Development Associate Credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone on the path career advancement in ECE. The CDA is designed to prepare the student to be trained and educated in early childhood development accredited programs. The CDA is nationally recognized as meeting quality standards for accredited programs.

3. Outline for High School Dual CDA
Junior Year
ECE 1040 Health, Safety, and Nutrition
ECE 1020 Guiding Alternative for Young Children
120 Hours of Field Experience per semester
Students schedules must be set up with a local Head Start , accredited or public school preschool in order for practicum experiences to be implemented.
Note: (High school course) Child Development should be taken in the Sophomore year or concurrently with the CDA coursework. The High School Child Development class will not count for college credit.
Outline for High School Dual CDA

4. Outline for High School Dual CDA
Senior Year
(Classes to be taken at MAC’s Main Campus)
ECE 1000 Introduction to EC Education
ECE 1060 CDA Credential Prep
120 Hours of field experience per semester
Students will be chosen for scholarships to complete the 2nd year of the program.
Outline for High School Dual CDA

5. Assistant Classroom Teacher: Head Start, Even Start, First Steps, YMCA
Lead Teacher: Licensed and/or accredited privately-owned programs
Child Care Associate: Community Services such as YMCA child care programs or Business Services such as employer owned child care programs.
Director of a Licensed Child Care Center: up to 20 children
CDA Job Opportunities

6. Education Opportunities in ECE
MAC Director Certification
MAC Associate of Applied Science in Child Development
College Credit Hours towards MAC Associate of Arts in Teaching
2 + 2 Central Methodist University of Science in Child Development
Education Opportunities in ECE

7. Parents and students must sign a Memorandum of Understanding and view the articulation agreement.
Students will not start observations until this requirement is met.
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