City of Boston-Funded CDA Plus and Lead Teacher Credential Programs

Thanks to a Growing the Early Childhood Workforce grant from the City of Boston’s Office of Early Childhood funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, UCB is able to offer CDA Plus and Lead Teacher Credential Programs for free to students working or committed to working in early childhood settings in Boston.

CDA Plus Program (available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese)

Likely best suited for those seeking to work in or open a family child care program, the CDA Plus Program includes four college credit-bearing courses:

• ECE104: Child Growth & Development

• ECE119: Introduction to CDA

• ECE120: CDA: Professional CDA Resource File Development

• ECE107: Early Childhood Curriculum OR ECE114: Curriculum Development for Infants &Toddlers

The grant covers all course costs, including the CDA test and books, as well as English courses to support progress toward a certificate or degree program.

Lead Teacher Credential Program (available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin)

Likely best suited for those seeking to work in a center-based child care setting, the Lead Teacher Credential Program includes four college credit-bearing courses:

• ECE104: Child Growth and Development (Prenatal to Age Eight)

• ECE105: Observing, Recording and Assessing Early Childhood Behavior

• ECE106: Guidance and Discipline – Classroom Management

• ECE107: Early Childhood Curriculum OR ECE114: Curriculum Development for Infants &Toddlers

The grant covers all course costs, including books, as well as English courses to support progress toward a certificate or degree program.

Interested in continuing on to a certificate or associate degree? All courses in the CDA Plus and Lead Teacher Credential Programs can be applied toward an early childhood education certificate or associate degree program at Urban College of Boston.

In addition, transfer agreements with other colleges allow students to continue their education after completing an associate degree. See our College Transfer Pathways page for information on how your associate degree at UCB can transfer into several bachelor’s degree completion programs.

REQUEST INFORMATION

Interested in this program? Please email Jose Colon-Rivas, UCB’s Early Childhood Education Program Director, at jose.rivas@urbancollege.edu.

QUICK PROGRAM FACTS

Learning Type: Online

Length: 12 credits

Course Languages: English, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish

Cost: Free ($0) - all course costs covered

Required Work Commitment: Per the grant guidelines, program participants agree to work in a licensed, licensed-exempt, public school, or other early childhood setting in the City of Boston for two years in exchange for a free CDA and/or Lead Teacher credential.

Career Facts and Outcomes

Occupational Outcome: Much faster than average growth expected *

Common Occupation Titles: Preschool Teacher, Infant/Toddler Teacher

Career Advancement: You will have the opportunity to earn the national Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and/or meet the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care course requirements for certification as a Preschool or Infant/Toddler teacher.

Transfer your credits toward a certificate or associate degree at UCB for more career advancement opportunities.

Alternate Pathways: Urban College of Boston (UCB) offers several degree and certificate programs including a certificate and an associate degree in Early Childhood Education.