Infant Toddler Training and

The Child Development Associate (CDA)

The program's training system is that of providing quality care that meets infants' needs for warm, supportive relationships in an intimate setting. A video series and training manuals are based on the latest child development theory, research, and practice. Four modules were created to assist providers in understanding and carrying out the day-to-day care of infants and toddlers:

I. Social-Emotional Growth & Socialization  
II. Group Care  
III. Learning & Development
IV. Culture, Family & Providers.

Contact the Early Childhood Enrichment site in your region for additional information.

The Child Development Associate credential is a nationally-recognized early childhood professional credential administered by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition based in Washington DC. The Council operates the CDA Credentialing Program as a major national effort to improve the quality of care children receive in early childhood programs. People who pursue the CDA credential learn to demonstrate their ability to nurture young children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth.

The SDCDA Project consists of post-secondary training programs that are geographically distributed throughout the state of South Dakota. The SDCDA curriculum provides formal early childhood training and professional mentorship that assists each student in the process of meeting the requirements necessary to complete the national CDA assessment process, including:

120 clock hours of formal education
Professional Resource File and other documentation of competence
Formal observation completed by trained CDA advisors

The SDCDA classes are offered during hours that are convenient for people who work with young children during the day. The following SDCDA courses address the eight training areas required by the Council for the national CDA assessment procedures:

The Early Childhood Profession
Health, Safety, & Nutrition
Child Development & Planning
Partnerships with Parents
Programs for Young Children