School-Age
The School-Age track is intended for early childhood professionals serving children ages 5 through 12 years in center based before- and after-school as well as summer-based programs. This track offers training and professional development resources, including written narrative, video, skill building activities, and classroom tools. The School-Age track consists of courses that mirror the core Child Development Associate (CDA) competencies plus a course on preventing child abuse and one on recognizing and reporting child abuse.
Safe Environments
Prevent injuries and minimize risks for school-age children through safe environments and active supervision.
Learning Environments
Design appropriate and engaging learning environments for school-age children.
Physical Development
Provide environments and activities that support school-age children’s physical activity and motor competence.
Cognitive Development
Support school-age children’s thinking and learning through interactions, environments, and experiences.
Communication & Language Development
Promote effective communication for school-age children through the environment and interactions.
Creative Expression
Plan activities and experiences that nurture school-age children’s curiosity and creativity.
Self & Cultural Understanding
Support school-age children’s sense of self and character through relationships, experiences, and the environment.
Social & Emotional Development
Promote preschoolers’ social–emotional development through supportive interactions and high-quality environments.
Positive Guidance
Guide preschoolers’ behavior through supportive interactions, environments, and experiences.
Family Engagement
Support family engagement and effective communication through family-centered practices.
Professionalism
Understand ethical practices and what professionalism means for school-age professionals.
Child Abuse: Identification & Reporting
Recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect and understand reporting procedures for your program.
Child Abuse: Prevention
Protect school age children from child abuse and neglect through appropriate expectation, interactions, and environments.