Examine what to include in the CDA professional portfolio and how to organize it. Learn about the value of conducting a self-study and gain insight on how to provide quality learning experiences, books and accommodations to children in your program.

Explore the history of the CDA credential and the Council for Professional Recognition. Examine the value of and steps to earn the credential as well the qualifications and role of the PD Specialist. Investigate the importance of the first five years of a child’s life and begin to formulate a professional philosophy about early care…

Explore the basics of the professional portfolio and the CDA self-study. Review family questionnaires and prepare competency statement IV. Understand family perspectives, how to respond to ethical dilemmas and prepare to write their professional philosophy statement.

Learn the difference between stress and stressors. Explore your own well-being through a brief guided meditation and reflecting on your own self-care. Discover elements of community care. Child Care professionals are best prepared to take care of others when they have first taken care of themselves.

Explore skills and strategies needed to create and implement a meaningful new employee orientation process that will lead to a high-quality workforce in an early childhood program. Identify benefits of a thoughtful and thorough employee orientation, the essential aspects of a strong orientation and induction process, and the practices that help new employees develop a…

Examine the CDA application, portfolio structure and prepare for a self-study and exam. Practice CDA exam questions and reflect on professional strengths and areas for growth.

Learn why early childhood educators are highly susceptible to stress and burnout and how self-care can help prevent or alleviate it. On an airplane, we are told to put on our own oxygen masks before assisting others with theirs; we need to practice self-care in order to be at our best for the children in…