For working childcare professionals

Recommended for early childhood educators who want to apply for a CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential or have a degree in another field and need specialized training in child development. Graduates receive an Occupational Skills Award.

Coursework: Three courses on CDA-specialized topics covering the six competency standards used to evaluate CDA candidates. These courses provide you with the knowledge, skills, and required 120 training hours to be eligible to apply for the CDA Assessment through the Council for Professional Recognition. You must be currently working more than 20 hours a week directly with a group of young children in the birth-to-five-years range in a child care setting. 

Award pathway: Fulfills requirements for CDEC 1311 and CDEC 1318 that can apply directly to a Child Development certificate or AAS.

Award Plan | Program Map

Continuing Education Option:

This training is also available through ACC’s Continuing Education Division (CE). If you live outside of the Austin Community College District, you may find it more economical to register through CE. If you live within the district, you will benefit more by enrolling in courses through the Child Development Department to receive college credit.  The Child Development courses and CE courses combine students into the same class and are taught together.

Recommended for students who want a Level 1 Certificate in Child Development and who want the required training hours and support to apply for the CDA Assessment. Graduates receive a CDA Pereparation Level 1 Certificate.

Coursework: Five child development courses and one CDA Prep course. The CDA Prep Course (CDEC 1341) prepares you for the requirements of the national CDA Assessment, while the child development courses provide the 120 training hours required for the CDA. You are not required to be working with young children while taking courses but you will need to have 480 hours of experience working with young children within the last three years prior to applying for the CDA Assessment.

Note: Child Development courses are writing intensive; students are encouraged to have appropriate reading and writing skills before starting courses.

Award pathway: 16 credit hours from this award apply directly to the Child Development Certificate.  All 19 credit hours apply directly to the Child Development Associate

Credit for previous coursework/credentials:
Comprehensive CDA Training Program graduates receive credit for CDEC 1311 and CDEC 1318 (six credit hours).
Current, active CDA Credential holders receive credit for CDEC 1311 (three credit hours).

Award Plan | Program Map

Reading and writing intensive

Recommended for students who want a comprehensive foundation in child development theory and best practices in early childhood education. Graduates receive a Child Development Level 1 Certificate.

Coursework: Ten child development courses that cover a range of topics related to early childhood development and education.

Note: Child Development courses are writing intensive; students are encouraged to have appropriate reading and writing skills before starting courses.

Award pathway: All courses apply directly to the Child Development AAS degree.

Credit for previous coursework/credentials:
CDA Preparation Certificate holders receive 16 credit hours towards this award
Comprehensive CDA Training Program graduates receive credit for CDEC 1311 and CDEC 1318 (six credit hours).
Current, active CDA Credential holders receive credit for CDEC 1311 (three credit hours).

Award Plan | Program Map

Must meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards for college readiness in reading, writing, and math

Recommended for students who want advanced coursework in child development theory and practice or may want to transfer to a four-year program in the future. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science in Child Development.

Coursework: Sixteen child development courses (includes the ten courses required for the Child Development Certificate), plus five required core education courses: English Comp I or Business and Technical Writing; Life and Physical Science or a Mathematics course; Oral Communication; Introduction to Psychology, and an elective in Language, Philosophy, Culture or Creative Arts.

Award pathway: Credits may transfer to a four-year Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degree in a related field such as Human Development and Family Science, Childhood Studies, or Family and Child Development. Specific transfer policies vary by institution.

Credit for previous coursework/credentials:

Child Development Certificate holders receive 30 credit hours towards this award
CDA Preparation Certificate holders receive 19 credit hours towards this award
Comprehensive CDA Training Program graduates receive credit for CDEC 1311 and CDEC 1318 (six credit hours)
Current, active CDA Credential holders receive credit for CDEC 1311 (three credit hours)

Award Plan | Program Map