Gain working knowledge of early childhood education principles and prepare for the Council for Professional Recognition’s Child Development Associate® (CDA) certification process. This thorough introduction to early childhood education covers physical and cognitive growth, how children learn, creating safe and healthy environments, social and emotional development, guidance, relationships with families, creativity, and play. Students also learn about research-based planning of developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum and activities, program management, and professionalism. The principles of child growth and development from birth through age five are introduced through an integrated approach that also covers how those principles align with the eight CDA competencies and National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) professional standards. Students who successfully complete the course will be prepared for the CDA exam.