About Our Courses

Eager-to-Learn

Instructor-Led Online Courses

Eager-to-Learn (ETL) courses are instructor-led, online courses for in-depth learning on a variety of topics. All Eager-to-Learn courses are multi-week classes that utilize discussion board conversations and weekly live, text-based, or video chat sessions. Discussion board conversations take place over several days, allowing you to reflect on the weekly content with other students. Live chat sessions are scheduled on one evening (Mon-Thurs) during the week, for 45 minutes to an hour depending on the type of chat (text vs. video). You must log in at the scheduled time each week to participate in the chat.

A weekly lesson in an Eager-to-Learn course will include the following assignments:

  • Selected readings that expand on and enhance the lesson
  • Discussion board questions that allow you to interact with your instructor and other students in the course
  • A live chat session with your instructor and fellow students
  • A final assignment, which is an opportunity to apply the course content directly to your work

 

Anytime Learning

Self-Paced Online Courses

Anytime Learning (ATL) courses are self-paced, online courses designed to give students the flexibility to learn on their own time and at their own speed. Students follow interactive presentations with learning checkpoints and quizzes throughout the course to help students stay engaged and reinforce the information.

Anytime Learning courses include a variety of learning tools:

  • Narrated presentations
  • Selected readings, videos, and media resources to enhance learning
  • Relevant course activities
  • Learning checkpoints and quizzes covering course content

 

MNCDA & MNITCDA Learning Community

The MNCDA and MNITCDA Learning Communities are a series of 120 hours of coursework that fulfills the training requirements to obtain your Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™. Students benefit from scheduled check-ins with a Learning Community Coordinator who specializes in portfolio support, as well as access to a group of instructors invested in their learning during this year-long commitment. Additionally, a Workforce Advising Coordinator is available to answer any questions you have regarding the next steps in applying for your CDA® credential once the learning community coursework and portfolio are complete. The additional requirements include application and payment to the Council, CDA® exam, and CDA® verification visit.

Interested in getting your MN(IT)CDA registration costs reimbursed? CDA Awards from Child Care Aware of Minnesota help early childhood educators pay for the training and application costs of the nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Visit the Child Care Aware of MN CDA Award page to learn more.

 

Directors Credential Learning Community

The online Directors Credential offers valuable information in the areas of administration, supervision/management, and leadership with instructor-led courses over the course of a year-long learning community cohort. During this credential students also have an opportunity to conduct research, design, and complete a project that demonstrates personal skill development and business quality enhancement. The Director Credential is offered in collaboration with the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC), is recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and meets all the director training requirements for NAEYC Accreditation.

Visit Child Care Aware of Minnesota’s Director Credential page to learn more and apply for the next learning community.