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Family and Social Services Administration

Bureau of Child Care Home > Provider Resources > Professional Development > Online Child Care Learning (CCL) > Childcare Learning > Participating Higher Education Participating Higher Education

Ivy Tech State College and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) are collaborating in Child Care Learning to provide current and prospective child care providers an avenue for education and professional recognition of their skills. The program consists of five courses, fifteen credits, and does not require a student to become a degree-seeking student at either college. Credits transfer easily between the two institutions and may be applied to an Associates or Bachelors degree at a later time. The courses are designed for the working child care provider, and are therefore conducted over the Internet for anytime learning. A rolling enrollment will be used, which means courses start when enrollment meets a minimum number and end when the student has completed the course work, but all assignments must be done within 5 months of course start date. It is important to check with

to verify course dates and enrollments.

The five course series is designed to prepare a working child care provider with the coursework necessary to apply for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. The CDA credential is nationally recognized. The purpose of the CDA is to enhance the quality of child care by defining, evaluating, and recognizing the competence of child care providers and home visitors.

Financial support for the student enrolled in Child Care Learning may be available through the student's county Step Ahead/First Steps Council, from employers, or from T.E.A.C.H. It is the student's responsibility to seek financial assistance, if desired.

Recommended course sequence: Numbering protocol = Ivy Tech/SMWC

CHD 142/ED 110-240 Beginnings in Child Development
This entry-level course for early care providers and teachers offers students opportunities to grow professionally through the examination of basic principles of child development, Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP), importance of family, licensing, and elements of quality care of young children. Students will explore health and safety issues and practices, and develop abilities in the area of creating optimal learning environments for young children.

CHD 144/ED 116-246 Reflections on Practice in Early Childhood
This entry-level course for early care providers and teachers offers students opportunities to explore a wide variety of topics covering all aspects of early childhood education while reflecting on the their own growth and professionalism. Students examine their practice, reflecting on the areas of relationship and communication within the program, curriculum development, program management, and awareness and use of community resources.

CHD 143/ED 116-246 Curriculum in Early Childhood
This entry-level course for early care providers and teachers examines developmentally appropriate environments and activities in various childcare settings. Students will explore the varying developmental levels and cultural backgrounds of children. Students learn to support creative expression in young children through valuable hands-on experiences while exposing themselves to new and different types of mediums and ideas.

CHD 145/ED 111 CDA Process
This course prepares the student for the verification process for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Students put into practice the theories, activities, and ideas developed in the earlier CDA classes. This course provides opportunities for practical experience through supervised participation in early care and education settings. Informative and helpful ideas are offered to students as they participate in a particular environment while using the DAP classroom model.

Note: The courses include the required clock-hours of specific content required to apply for the CDA credential. The final course, CHD 145 The CDA Process, requires that the student prepare a portfolio which is a requirement of the CDA application. The CDA application and associated fees are the responsibility of the student. Because the evaluation process for the CDA is individual-based, the College does not guarantee that the CDA application will be approved. The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition may make other requirements, such as a specific number of work experience hours, which are the responsibility of the student.

CHD 206/ED 416 Business Course
Information on this course will be provided at a later date.

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