The Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
The CDA program through the RUCCCS’ Professional Development Pathways Initiative meets the mandates of the Council for Professional Recognition by providing training in each of the required eight modules:

1. Planning a safe, healthy, learning environment
2. Steps to advance children's physical and intellectual development;
3. Positive ways to support children's social and emotional development;
4. Strategies to establish productive relationships with families;
5. Strategies to manage an effective program operation;
6. Maintaining a commitment to professionalism;
7. Observing and recording children's behavior; and
8. Principles of child development and learning.

Unique to RUCCCS, our CDA courses are tailored to the specific specializations within the field of early childhood education. RUCCCS offers the CDA through four distinct tracks:

• Infant/Toddler
• Preschool
• Family Child Care/Home Based Care
• Spanish

RUCCCS next CDA cohort starts in January 2009. Please contact Ingrid Campbell for more information at (856) 225-6739.
To learn more, visit the Council for Professional Recognition: http://www.cdacouncil.org/

The NJ Infant/Toddler Credential
RUCCCS is the first institution of higher education in New Jersey to offer a full service pathway to obtain the new NJ Infant/Toddler Credential.
ECE professionals that are I/T CDA credential holders may obtain their I/T credential by taking the following two courses:

• Infant/Toddler Mental Health
• Fieldwork Practicum: Infant/Toddler Mental Health

Students that are majoring in ECE track through the Rutgers Department of Childhood Studies may complete the NJ Infant/Toddler Credential as part of their course requirements.
Coursework leading to the NJ Infant/Toddler Credential is offered on a rotating basis through the ECE track of the Department of Childhood Studies. Please contact Ingrid or Angela at (856) 225-6739 for advisement/information.