Credential(s) Offered
Industry certification, Apprenticeship certification
Method of Delivery
Hybrid or blended
When offered
Daytime Hours, Evening Hours
Instructional Program (CIP)
Description
The Early Childhood Education CDA certificate program at WCCC is a two-semester, integrated, comprehensive program covering 35 topics in Early Childhood Education in three courses (ECE100, ECE104, and PSY190), and 15 Early Childhood topics in special education and the field experience. Introduction to psychology, sociology of the family, college composition, and basic mathematics are also requirements, which give the student the background foundation for successful completion of the program. This certificate program is equivalent to the first year of an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education program. Students apply for the national CDA credential through the Council for Professional Recognition.
Those students only interested in the CDA national credential from the Council for Professional Recognition must take the three courses (ECE100, ECE104, and PSY190) and the field experience that cover the 35 Early Childhood topics, which are based on the CDA competency goals and the NAEYC standards. These three courses include many different components, enabling participants to consider course material in small groups, large groups, and individually; with peers locally and across the country; and through written materials, visual images, hands-on activities and group discussion. The courses can be accessed through a distance-learning format if that suits the student. If students are not working in an early childhood setting, they must participate in the two field experiences. Portfolio analysis is available for those professionals already working in the field.
Details
Program Length (Weeks)
30
Hours
31
Entrance Requirements
High School Diploma or Equivalent
School
Washington County Community College
WIOA Approved Program
Yes
Training Location(s)
One College Drive, Calais, Maine
Local WIB
1 - Northeastern Workforce Board
Name of Credential
Child Development Assiciate
Type of financial aid offered or have access to
Pell, state grants, scholarhips
Refund Policy
https://wccc.me.edu/wp-content/uploads/WCCC-Catalog-2025-2026-updated-14-Nov-2025.docx
Is the proposed curriculum currently certified by an accrediting agency or similar national standardization program?
Yes - NECHE
Is this proposed curriculum considered a nontraditional program of training services for women?
No
Is this proposed curriculum considered a nontraditional program of training services for men?
Yes
Cost Items
Books (Estimated)
$1,000.00
In-State Tuition
$2,976.00
Other Fees
$142.00
Out-of-State/District Tuition
$5,952.00
Total In-State Program Cost
$4,118.00
Total Out-of-State Program Cost
$7,094.00
