Early Childhood Education (preschool teacher)

This foundational course equips adult learners entering preschool education with the safety knowledge, applied math skills, professional communication habits, and career-readiness tools required across all subsequent ECE coursework and the workplace. Students earn OSHA 10 recognition and pediatric first aid/CPR certification while building the numeracy, literacy, and digital competencies specific to early childhood settings. All content is mapped to the Council for Professional Recognition CDA Competency Standards and state childcare licensing expectations.

How the course runs. 7 blocks: Workplace Safety in Early Childhood Settings: OSHA 10 and Childcare Hazard Awareness; Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Response; Trade Math: Ratios, Measurement, and Budgeting for the Preschool Classroom; Reading Technical ECE Documents: Regulations, Standards, and Safety Data Sheets; Professional Written Communication and Digital Tools for ECE Professionals; Career Readiness: CDA Requirements, State Licensing, and Professional Identity; Portfolio Foundation and Professional Résumé for ECE Careers.

What competent looks like. Complete OSHA 10 General Industry training and demonstrate hazard-identification and incident-reporting procedures applicable to a licensed childcare facility. Obtain current pediatric first aid and CPR certification from an accredited provider and demonstrate the infant, toddler, and preschooler response sequences. Apply trade-specific math and measurement skills including child-to-staff ratio calculations, supply budgeting, developmental milestone age ranges, and classroom space measurement. Read, summarize, and apply technical ECE documents such as licensing regulations, health and safety policies, CDA Competency Standards, and an MSDS/SDS for cleaning products. Use standard digital tools—email, learning-management systems, word processing, and age-appropriate educational software research—to communicate professionally and maintain required program documentation. Construct a professional portfolio foundation and résumé aligned with CDA Functional Area requirements and state childcare licensing application components.

This course examines the physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development of children from birth through age eight, grounding each domain in established developmental theory and current research. Students learn to observe and document developmental milestones, recognize atypical patterns, and apply developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) principles in planning and interaction. Content maps directly to the CDA Competency Standards (Subject Area 1: Planning a Safe, Healthy, Learning Environment and Subject Area 3: Supporting Social and Emotional Development) and to state childcare licensing requirements for staff competency in child development.

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Foundations of Child Development: Theories and Frameworks; Physical Development: Gross and Fine Motor Milestones; Cognitive Development: From Sensorimotor to Concrete Operations; Language and Literacy Development; Social and Emotional Development; Influences on Development: Biology, Family, Culture, and Environment; Observation Skills and Anecdotal Record Keeping; Recognizing Atypical Development and the Referral Process; Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP): Principles and Application; Brain Development and the Importance of Early Experience; Play as the Primary Vehicle for Learning; Integration Lab: Developmental Observation and Planning Portfolio.

What competent looks like. Describe major developmental milestones across physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional domains for children birth through age eight, citing at least three established theoretical frameworks. Observe a child in a classroom or video scenario and record anecdotal notes that accurately identify developmental stage and domain with at least 80% agreement with an instructor rubric. Distinguish developmentally appropriate from developmentally inappropriate practice in written case studies and live classroom scenarios, achieving a score of 80% or higher on evaluations. Explain how biological, environmental, cultural, and family factors influence child development and articulate at least two implications for daily classroom practice. Recognize indicators of atypical development and developmental delays across all five domains and describe the correct referral pathway used in early childhood settings. Apply knowledge of child development theory to evaluate and modify a sample activity plan so that it meets the developmental needs of children across a mixed-age preschool group.

Students learn to plan, build, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curricula for children ages birth through five, integrating play-based learning, learning-environment design, and subject-area integration across literacy, math, science, and the arts. The course connects directly to CDA Competency Standards I and II (safe, healthy learning environments and advancing children's development) and to state childcare licensing requirements for written lesson plans and room arrangement. Students produce a complete four-week curriculum unit ready for classroom use.

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Foundations of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP); Early Learning Standards and Curriculum Frameworks; Domains of Child Development and Curriculum Integration; Writing Clear, Measurable Learning Objectives; Lesson Plan Formats and Components; Designing Learning Centers and the Physical Environment; Thematic and Project-Based Curriculum Planning; Literacy and Language Integration Across the Curriculum; Math and Science Curriculum for Young Children; Cultural Responsiveness, Equity, and Inclusion in Curriculum; Differentiating Instruction for Diverse Learners; Building and Presenting the Four-Week Curriculum Unit.

What competent looks like. Design written lesson plans that align with at least one recognized developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) framework and address all five domains of early childhood development. Arrange and document a preschool learning environment—including indoor centers and outdoor space—that meets state licensing room-arrangement standards and CDA Functional Area 2 (Learning Environment). Integrate literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts into thematic or project-based curriculum units appropriate for children ages three through five. Select, adapt, and cite at least three evidence-based instructional strategies (e.g., scaffolding, open-ended questioning, intentional teaching) and apply them in written and demonstrated lesson delivery. Evaluate existing curriculum materials for cultural responsiveness, equity, and inclusion, documenting findings in a structured written analysis. Construct and present a complete four-week curriculum unit—including goals, standards alignment, lesson plans, materials list, family communication, and assessment plan—that earns a passing score on the program rubric.

This course teaches early childhood educators how to observe, document, and interpret children's development using valid, ethical, and culturally responsive assessment practices. Students learn to use formal and informal tools, analyze data to individualize instruction, and communicate findings to families and colleagues. Content maps directly to the CDA Competency Standard VI (maintaining a commitment to professionalism) and the functional area of Self (observation and documentation).

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Purposes and Principles of Early Childhood Assessment; Developmental Domains and Observation Readiness; Observation Methods: Anecdotal Records and Running Records; Observation Methods: Checklists, Rating Scales, and Time Sampling; Standardized Screening Tools and Referral Processes; Portfolio Documentation: Collecting and Organizing Evidence; Analyzing Assessment Data to Inform Instruction; Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Assessment; Communicating Assessment Results to Families; Confidentiality, Legal Requirements, and Digital Record-Keeping; Program-Level Assessment and Using Data for Program Improvement; Integrated Assessment Practicum: Full Portfolio and Conference Simulation.

What competent looks like. Select and apply age-appropriate formal and informal assessment tools to document the development of children ages birth through 5 across all developmental domains. Record objective, bias-free anecdotal notes, running records, and checklists during live child observation sessions with at least 90% accuracy as rated on a scoring rubric. Analyze a child's portfolio of documentation evidence to identify developmental strengths, areas of growth, and next instructional steps. Communicate assessment findings clearly and respectfully to families in written and verbal formats, using plain language free of jargon. Apply ethical guidelines from the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct to protect child and family confidentiality in all assessment records. Align assessment data with curriculum planning by creating a written instructional response that addresses at least two identified developmental needs.

This course prepares preschool teachers to maintain safe, healthy environments for young children by applying child safety regulations, universal precautions, emergency response procedures, and developmentally appropriate supervision practices. Students earn OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training and pediatric first aid/CPR certification as embedded credentials. Content maps directly to the CDA Functional Area 1 (Safe) and Functional Area 2 (Healthy) competency standards.

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Introduction to Child Safety Frameworks and Licensing Requirements; OSHA 10 Module 1: Hazard Recognition and Worker Rights in Early Childhood Workplaces; OSHA 10 Module 2: Personal Protective Equipment, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Universal Precautions; Hand Hygiene, Illness Exclusion, and Infectious Disease Prevention; Environmental Safety: Indoor and Outdoor Hazard Inspection; Supervision Ratios, Active Supervision, and Sight-Line Management; Pediatric First Aid: Wound Care, Choking, Allergic Reactions, and Seizures; Pediatric CPR and AED for Preschool Educators; Emergency Action Plans: Fire Evacuation, Lockdown, and Medical Emergencies; Child Abuse and Neglect: Recognition, Mandatory Reporting, and Trauma-Informed Practice; Safe Sleep, Nutrition Safety, and Medication Administration Records; Safety Documentation, Digital Reporting Tools, and CDA Portfolio Connection.

What competent looks like. Identify and eliminate or mitigate physical, biological, and environmental hazards in indoor and outdoor early childhood settings using a systematic inspection process. Demonstrate pediatric first aid and CPR procedures, including response to choking, allergic reaction, and seizure, to a standard required for certification. Apply state childcare licensing health and safety regulations—including child-to-staff ratios, supervision requirements, and mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect—to real and simulated scenarios. Design and document an emergency action plan (fire evacuation, lockdown, and medical emergency) appropriate for a licensed preschool classroom. Implement universal precautions, proper hand hygiene, diapering and toileting procedures, and safe medication administration record-keeping in compliance with licensing standards. Complete OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training requirements and articulate how workplace safety principles apply to the early childhood profession.

This course prepares preschool teachers to build respectful, culturally responsive partnerships with families as a core component of high-quality early childhood practice. Students learn communication strategies, family involvement planning, and community resource coordination aligned with CDA Competency Standards and state childcare licensing requirements. Emphasis is placed on practical skills: conducting family conferences, creating welcoming environments, and navigating sensitive conversations professionally.

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Foundations of Family-Centered Practice; Legal and Ethical Obligations to Families; Cultural Responsiveness and Linguistic Access; Communication Tools: Written and Digital; Verbal Communication and Active Listening Skills; Conducting Effective Family Conferences; Handling Difficult Conversations Professionally; Designing a Family Engagement Plan; Community Resources and Referral Pathways; Family Involvement Activities and Volunteer Programs; Evaluating and Improving Family Engagement; CDA Competency Goal VI Review and Family Engagement Portfolio.

What competent looks like. Explain the theoretical and legal basis for family-centered practice in licensed preschool settings, including IDEA parental rights and state licensing family notification requirements. Design and implement a written Family Engagement Plan that includes multiple communication methods, family volunteer opportunities, and culturally and linguistically responsive strategies. Conduct a structured family conference using active listening, strength-based language, and documented follow-up consistent with CDA Competency Goal VI. Identify and connect families to community resources — including health, nutrition, social services, and special-needs referral pathways — appropriate to the geographic service area. Demonstrate professional written communication (newsletters, digital updates, translated notices) that meets plain-language standards and protects family confidentiality under applicable privacy requirements. Evaluate family engagement practices using observational data and family feedback, then revise the program plan to improve partnership quality.

Students apply child development theory, curriculum design, assessment, and family engagement skills in a real or simulated preschool classroom under direct instructor supervision. Across 170 hours of structured practice, learners plan and deliver lessons, manage routines, observe children, and document their work to build the professional portfolio required for the CDA credential. Emphasis is placed on reflective practice, child safety, and meeting the diverse needs of children ages birth through five.

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Orientation: Practicum Standards, Professionalism, and Safety in the Classroom; Reviewing Child Development Principles Through Classroom Observation; Lesson Planning: Developmentally Appropriate Practice and Learning Centers; Teaching a Small-Group Activity: Delivery and Classroom Management; Inclusive Practice: Supporting Children with Diverse Needs and Backgrounds; Child Safety, First Aid, and Emergency Response Procedures; Designing and Setting Up Learning Environments; Family Communication: Conferences, Newsletters, and Documentation; Building the CDA Professional Portfolio; Reflective Practice: Using Feedback to Improve Teaching; Professionalism, Ethics, and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education; Final Teaching Demonstration and Portfolio Defense Preparation.

What competent looks like. Plan, implement, and evaluate at least three developmentally appropriate activity plans aligned to state early learning standards and CDA Competency Standards. Demonstrate safe supervision of children during indoor and outdoor routines, responding correctly to a simulated emergency using current pediatric first aid and CPR techniques. Use structured observation tools to document individual child behavior and communicate findings clearly to a supervising teacher and family member. Create and maintain a CDA Professional Portfolio section that includes a personal philosophy statement, three completed activity plans with reflections, and required documentation logs. Apply inclusive, culturally responsive strategies that support children with varying abilities, language backgrounds, and developmental levels during group and individual activities. Receive and apply constructive feedback from a supervising instructor, revising lesson plans and classroom practices to improve child outcomes across at least two observation cycles.

Students synthesize learning from all prior courses by independently designing, documenting, and defending a complete, developmentally appropriate preschool classroom program for a specific age band (3–5 years). The capstone integrates child development theory, curriculum planning, family engagement, safety compliance, and authentic assessment into a cohesive professional portfolio and a formal oral defense before a panel of instructors and an early childhood professional.

How the course runs. 4 blocks: Program Blueprint and Professional Documentation Standards; Curriculum Unit and Classroom Environment Design; Assessment Tools, Family Engagement Plan, and Portfolio Assembly; Capstone Defense: Oral Presentation and Panel Review.

What competent looks like. Design a semester-long, developmentally appropriate curriculum unit for preschool-aged children that integrates all five CDA Competency Goal areas and meets applicable state licensing standards. Create a complete classroom environment plan—including layout, safety checklist, and inclusive accommodation documentation—that demonstrates compliance with health, safety, and supervision requirements covered in program coursework. Develop and document at least three authentic child assessment tools (observation record, portfolio entry, anecdotal note) aligned to early learning standards and explain their use in reporting to families. Produce a written family engagement plan that includes a communication strategy, a family event design, and culturally responsive resources appropriate to a diverse community. Present and orally defend the completed capstone portfolio to a review panel, responding to evaluator questions with evidence-based rationale drawn from course content and field experience. Reflect in writing on personal professional growth across the program, identifying specific CDA functional areas in which skills advanced and articulating a continuing professional development plan.

Students complete 324 supervised hours in a licensed preschool or childcare setting, applying child development theory, curriculum planning, family engagement, and safety practices under the direct guidance of a cooperating teacher and site supervisor. The externship bridges classroom learning and professional practice, providing the documented field experience required for the CDA credential application and state childcare licensure. Students maintain a reflective field log and receive formal employer evaluations aligned to CDA Competency Standards.

How the course runs. 4 blocks: Externship Orientation and Site Integration; Supported Teaching Practice — Routines and Small-Group Activities; Professional Responsibilities — Documentation, Safety, and Family Engagement; Mid-Point and Final Employer Evaluations with Portfolio Compilation.

What competent looks like. Demonstrate age-appropriate instructional and caregiving routines with preschool-age children across a full program day under cooperating teacher supervision. Plan and implement at least four observed activity sessions aligned to developmental domains and the CDA Competency Standards. Maintain accurate daily field logs documenting hours, observed practices, and personal reflections that meet CDA Professional Portfolio evidence requirements. Apply safe supervision strategies, emergency procedures, and mandated reporter obligations in a licensed childcare environment without prompting. Receive a passing employer evaluation score on all professional practice dimensions including communication, reliability, child interaction, and classroom management. Compile and submit a complete externship documentation packet sufficient to support CDA credential application and state licensing verification.

This course prepares adult learners to sit and pass the Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing exam and to meet state childcare licensing requirements by systematically reviewing all CDA Competency Standards, practicing with realistic exam-format questions, and completing full timed mock exams under test conditions. Learners identify personal knowledge gaps, build test-taking stamina, and assemble the documentation packages required by both the Council for Professional Recognition and their state licensing board.

How the course runs. 4 blocks: CDA Competency Standards Deep Dive and Diagnostic Assessment; Competency-by-Competency Review and CDA Portfolio Completion; Full-Length Mock CDA Exams and Targeted Remediation; Test-Day Logistics, State Licensing Application Walkthrough, and Final Readiness Check.

What competent looks like. Accurately explain all six CDA Competency Standards and thirteen Functional Areas and connect each to required preschool teacher knowledge and practice. Score 80% or higher on timed practice question sets mapped to each CDA Competency Standard before sitting the credentialing exam. Demonstrate correct test-taking strategies—including time management, elimination of distractors, and flagging uncertain items—on full-length mock CDA exams. Compile a complete CDA Professional Portfolio including a personal philosophy statement, Family Questionnaires, competency statements, and supporting documentation meeting Council for Professional Recognition requirements. Identify and gather the specific background check, training hour, and health-clearance documents required by their state childcare licensing board. Create and follow a personalized remediation study plan targeting weak competency areas identified through diagnostic and mock exam data.