Child Development Associate

Boost your career in child development.

Take the next step in your early childhood career with MCC’s Child Development Associate (CDA) microcredential. Designed for childcare professionals working toward a lead teaching role, this program builds the knowledge and practical skills employers value most. Through coursework aligned with national CDA competencies, you’ll strengthen your understanding of child development and prepare for advancement—whether into a lead teacher role or continued study toward a certificate or degree.

AREA OF INTEREST

Community Engagement & Development

DEPARTMENT

Education and Human Services

Getting Started?

Apply Now

Request Information

585-292-2000

admissions@monroecc.edu

In our CDA microcredential program, you will:

Understand how young children grow, learn, and develop
Create lesson plans that support learning through play
Observe and document children’s development and progress
Use positive guidance and effective discipline strategies
Build inclusive, anti-bias classroom environments
Apply best practices for high-quality early childhood care
Be qualified to work as a lead teacher in NYS-licensed childcare centers or licensed family childcare homes
Prepare to work toward a nationally recognized CDA credential
Earn college credits that can count toward future programs

You’ll learn how to

Support Children

Lesson Plan

Understand Childhood Development

Interested in something else? Explore by your interests

Work Toward a Nationally Recognized Credential

Our microcredential offers coursework in Child Development Associate (CDA) content competencies. Our CDA academic classroom curriculum consists of 120 clock hours, allowing you to work towards earning a nationally recognized credential, sponsored by the Council for Professional Recognition.

Pursue Further Education

MCC’s microcredentials are stackable, so you can use the credits you earn toward other programs like the Early Care Certificate or Child Care Practitioner A.A.S.

100% Online

Need a flexible schedule? This program’s coursework can be completed 100% online.

Whether you’re working toward a lead teaching position or earning a nationally recognized CDA credential, this program provides the classroom curriculum and clock hours to achieve your goals.

MICRO

Microcredential

The Child Development Associate (CDA) microcredential at MCC is designed to build knowledge in early care and childhood development. You’ll take three concentrated courses to immerse yourself in early childhood care and developmentally appropriate practices, building a foundation of knowledge and the skills to grow in the field. Classes are flexible with in-person, evening, and online options.

Length

6 months / 9 credit hours

Students typically complete this program in 1 semester of full time study.

Location

Downtown Campus & Online

Program Requirements

Courses & Prerequisites

Quality Education That Fits Your Budget

MCC’s low tuition, plus financial aid like grants and scholarships, make your education possible.

Financial Aid Available Scholarships

Online

Common search terms

Getting Started?