Preschool CDA Career Pathway™
An executive-quality, 120-hour online CDA preparation program designed to strengthen intentional teaching, curriculum planning, developmental understanding, and professional practice in preschool settings.
Advance Your Expertise in Preschool Education
Develop the professional knowledge, instructional strategies, and reflective practices that support high-quality preschool learning.
Intentional Teaching
Design purposeful learning experiences based on children’s development.
Curriculum Excellence
Connect observation, lesson planning, and developmentally appropriate practice.
Professional Assessment
Demonstrate understanding through knowledge checks and learning applications.
CDA Readiness
Access available preparation guidance for the credentialing process.
Explore the 120-Hour Preschool Curriculum
Our proposed Preschool CDA pathway covers eight CDA subject areas through focused instructional courses, practical activities, and assessments.
1. Safe and Healthy Learning Environments
20 HRSClassroom safety, active supervision, hygiene, nutrition, emergency preparedness, and safe learning environments.
Focused individual courses2. Physical and Intellectual Development
20 HRSMotor development, language, early literacy, math, science, creative expression, and intentional instruction.
Focused individual courses3. Social and Emotional Development
15 HRSEmotional regulation, positive guidance, peer interactions, relationships, and supportive classroom practices.
Focused individual courses4. Productive Family Relationships
15 HRSFamily communication, cultural responsiveness, collaboration, family engagement, and partnerships.
Focused individual courses5. Effective Program Operations
15 HRSClassroom management, program policies, documentation, routines, and continuous quality improvement.
Focused individual courses6. Professionalism
10 HRSProfessional ethics, reflective practice, collaboration, advocacy, and ongoing professional development.
Focused individual courses7. Observing and Recording Children’s Behavior
10 HRSObjective observation, documentation, developmental assessment, and using assessment information for planning.
Focused individual courses8. Child Development and Learning Principles
15 HRSDevelopmental milestones, individual differences, inclusive practices, brain development, and child development theory.
Focused individual coursesTotal proposed instructional hours: 120. Course lengths and content are finalized through curriculum development and any applicable training approvals.
Flexible Training With Meaningful Application
The Preschool CDA Career Pathway™ is designed for working educators who need flexible online learning without sacrificing instructional quality.
- Short, focused instructional courses planned primarily in one- and two-hour increments
- Recommended training pace: five instructional hours per day
- Maximum of 15 training hours per participant per day
- Practical classroom applications, reflective activities, and assessments
- Completion records organized by CDA subject area
Participants progress through their assigned training while building the knowledge needed for responsible, intentional preschool teaching.
Prepare Beyond the 120 Training Hours
EECC provides credentialing preparation resources that help eligible enrolled participants plan their next steps.
Professional Portfolio Guidance
Support for organizing resource collection materials, professional statements, and portfolio requirements.
CDA Exam Preparation
Focused content review, practice questions, and exam preparation strategies.
Verification Visit Readiness
Guidance for observation, professional reflection, and Verification Visit preparation when required.
Portfolio, exam, and verification preparation resources are reserved for eligible enrolled participants. No public access is provided.
From Enrollment to Credential Readiness
Enroll in Your Program
Choose the Preschool 120-Hour CDA Career Pathway™ and receive access to your assigned learning courses.
Complete Your Education
Complete instructional lessons, learning activities, assessments, and documented training hours.
Prepare for CDA Credentialing
Review completed education, organize required documentation, and use available preparation tools for your next steps.
The CDA Credential is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. EECC provides education and preparation support. Credential award requires meeting the Council’s eligibility and assessment requirements.
Advance Your Professional Expertise in Preschool Education
Strengthen your instructional knowledge, expand your professional competencies, and prepare for your next steps toward CDA credentialing.
Request Enrollment Information