The required credentials vary by position, and in some cases by agency. Most teaching positions with Head Start and Early Head Start agencies in Detroit require at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate, a child care and development associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate
- Nationally recognized certification
- Requires 480 hours of experience working with children
- Requires 120 clock hours of training, which can be obtained at community colleges or through other training organizations
- T.E.A.C.H. scholarships are available
- Ranges from 60 to 72 credit hours depending upon the program
- Most community colleges or universities offer CDA training classes and an associate degree
- Usually earned at a four-year institution
- 25 educational institutions in Michigan offer this degree: http://bit.ly/1ogaCLU
- Articulation agreements with 11 four-year colleges and universities in Michigan allow professionals working in the field of early childhood to transfer credits and apply them toward a bachelor’s degree
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