Explore Programs
Together with The Council for Professional Recognition and the Nebraska Department of Education, the MCC Early Childhood Program and Community Education offer two child development training programs.
The Infant Toddler or the Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) programs are 120 clock hour programs developed for anyone looking to advance their early childhood education and professional career.
THIS CDA INFANT TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT TRAINING OFFERS THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM BENEFITS:
Self-paced: Go at your own pace; finish in as little as three months.
Personal coach: Will be working with you from beginning to end.
Innovative curriculum: Allows you to interact with content to make learning enjoyable.
Online access: Available 24 hours a day; seven days a week. Access to online activities and practice quizzes will give you instant feedback to gauge your learning.
Earn credit hours: Potential to earn 19.5 ECED credit hours towards an Early Childhood Educator Associate Degree from MCC.
Affordable: Books are included in the $500 course fee.
Scholarships available: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® NEBRASKA provides scholarships to help early care and education professionals complete coursework at a local college and work toward a degree in Early Childhood Education. Scholarships are available for both Associate and Bachelor's Degrees.
Individuals seeking to begin or advance their careers in early childhood education, including those working in childcare centers, and preschools. This training is also ideal for educators pursuing their CDA Credential or those looking to earn credit toward an Early Childhood Educator Associate Degree.
When candidates complete the MCC Infant Toddler or Preschool Child Development Associate training and obtain the CDA Credential, they have the potential to earn the following ECED credit:
| Infant Toddler CDA Earned Credits | Preschool CDA Earned Credits |
| ECED 1150 Intro to Early Childhood = 4.5 credits | ECED 1150 Intro to Early Childhood = 4.5 credits |
| ECED 1110 Infant Toddler Development = 4.5 credits | ECED 1120 Preschool Child Development = 4.5 credits |
| ECED 1260 Health and Nutrition = 4.5 credits | ECED 1260 Health and Nutrition = 4.5 credits |
| ECED 1221 Infant Practicum = 3.0 credits | ECED 1240 Preschool Age Practicum = 3.0 credits |
| ECED 1222 Toddler Practicum = 3.0 credits | |
| Total ECED Credits = 19.5 credits | Total ECED Credits = 16.5 credits |
Total ECED credits savings (NE resident standard tuition):
Infant Toddler CDA 19.5 x $64= $1,248 Total savings
Preschool CDA 16.5 x $64 = $1,056 Total savings
NOTE: The CDA Certificate is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. Visit the Council for Professional Recognition website for more information on the steps to earn your Infant Toddler or Preschool CDA Credential. The above ECED credit is only eligible for candidates who complete 120 professional educational clock hours through the MCC Infant Toddler CDA online training and obtain the CDA Credential.
The Infant Toddler & Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) Training fulfills the 120-hour professional educational requirement needed to apply for the CDA Credential through the Council for Professional Recognition. Successful completion of this training also provides the opportunity to earn 19.5 ECED credit hours toward an Early Childhood Educator Associate Degree at MCC.
To register, enroll online. After enrollment, a Metropolitan Community College associate will contact you with further instructions and grant access to the course.
Register for this course HERE.
$500 for 1-year access to online program. Fees cover all required books.
ASSOCIATE (CDA) CHILD DEVELOPMENT A
Credential awarded by Council for Professional Recognition
Infant, Toddler and Preschool Certification
Widely recognized credential
Stepping stone (career advancement)
Based on core set of competency standards
Becoming qualified teachers of young children
Eight subject areas, portfolio, 480 hours of professional work experience in a center-based setting with children ages 0-36 months.
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR (ECAS1) ASSOCIATE DEGREE
Community partnerships
22.5 General Education
70.5 ECED Course Credit
Eight quarters
FOUR-YEAR UNIVERSITY BACHELOR'S DEGREE
Credit hours vary
Four-year
Teacher certification
A+B Plus articulation
ECED workforce