Program Description
As part of this curriculum plan, students complete the application and assessment process for the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credential administered by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. The program provides an introduction to the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of infants and young children. Courses address the CDA competencies and functional areas designed to prepare students for positions in either early childhood or infant-toddler or family child care programs. The Council has approved this CDA instructional program. Students must have completed 480 hours of experience working with children within the past 3 years to apply for the CDA Credential. Students who achieve a grade of “C” or better in these courses may apply the credits toward any TCC Child Development Associate in Applied Science degree as controlled electives. See the TCC Child Development Associate in Science degrees for credits that may be applied toward university transfer degrees.
NOTE: It is required that students selecting this option be currently working in child care as infant, toddler, preschool, or family child care home providers. Background check required for this program.
NOTE: Tulsa Community College’s Child Development Academic Program requires that all child development students enrolling in a child development laboratory course obtain a criminal background check at their own expense. Students must fill out and submit a Background Student Information Form along with Background Check Consent Form to the West Campus Child Development Office (L 144).
NOTE: Persons convicted of a crime should check with the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services Child Care Licensing Unit prior to enrollment in this program.
For More Information Contact:
School of Child Development and Education
West Campus: (918) 595-8077
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program you will be able to:
- Use child development knowledge to create healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging learning environments for each child.
- Create reciprocal relationships, to support, empower, and involve families and communities in their child’s development and learning.
- Observe, document, and utilize assessment to support young children and their families.
- Use supportive interactions, developmentally appropriate practices and instructional strategies and tools to positively influence each child’s development and learning.
- Identify and conduct themselves as members of the early childhood profession.
As a nationally accredited program, The TCC School of Child Development and Education subscribes to the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation.
Career Opportunities
Head Start teacher assistant (CDA required); child care teacher-master teacher; family child care home provider; child care teaching assistant; family child care home assistant; school-age program assistant; nursery attendant or volunteer; in-home caregiver; camp counselor; substitute teacher; nanny. Search current career opportunities at TCC Career Explorer and visit TCC Career Services to learn more about our free career planning and job preparation services.
Student Organizations
The CHLD student organization (which was officially named “PACE” or Professional Association of Childhood Educators by its founding members in Fall 2003 is for any and all students (CHLD majors or non-majors) with an interest in child development and/or early childhood education. Group activities include free DHS-accredited training in child care topics, field trips, social and networking events, community service projects, and greeting and orientation services for first-semester CHLD students at West Campus. For more information, contact Dawn Parton at (918) 595-8039 or Debbie Deibert at (918) 595-8108.
Certificate Requirements
See how you might graduate with this certificate in one semester on the Child Development Certificate CDA Option Program Map.
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