eCDA for the Permian Basin Early Childhood Community

Current Permian Basin eCDA Students:
Log in at https://learn.teachingstrategies.com.

The eCDA program is made possible through the ARRA Quality Child Care Funding through the Permian Basin Workforce Board, and will be provided at no cost to you. Cohorts are scheduled to begin the second and third week in February.

View a webinar about eCDA for Permian Basin (requires Windows Media Player).


What is eCDA?
The eCDA program is an innovative, technology-based, blended approach to professional development. It helps early childhood professionals like you gain the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality services for infants, toddlers, and twos.
 
It is made up of 13 modules based on the Child Development Associate (CDA) competency standards and meets the training and education requirements for the CDA Credential. eCDA combines self-paced and instructor-facilitated learning; a facilitator will guide you and a cohort of 15 to 25 fellow teachers through the program.

Each eCDA module consists of:

  • three to six online, interactive exercises, which lead you through a series of practical scenarios in which you resolve problems similar to those you encounter on the job. An online knowledge check at the end of each module assesses learning.
  • related follow-up Learning Guide activities, that include brief readings, plus an opportunity to think about what you've learned and apply it in your program.
  • online discussion forums, where you will share knowledge, ask questions and learn from your peers.
  • group and individual phone calls with your facilitator, to discuss what you have been learning, ask questions, and check in on your progress.
  • CDA credentialing requirements. You will complete competency statements, create a professional resource file, and write the autobiography required for the CDA credential at appropriate times during the eCDA program.

What are the requirements?

Time Requirements
Every 3 to 4 weeks, you will:

  • complete 3-6 online learning activities.
  • do the related application activities in the Learning Guide.
  • participate in a monthly conference call with other cohort members.
  • take part in an individual call with your facilitator.
  • contribute to an on-line discussion
  • complete portions of the CDA professional resource file.
  • reflect on your learning.
  • take the knowledge check.

Expect to spend 15 to 20 hours a month to successfully complete assignments. The eCDA program components meet the 120-clock-hours training requirement set by the Council for Professional Recognition.

Support from your director/employer
Support from your director or employer will help you be successful in this program. They can be a cheerleader as you complete the program's requirements, serve as a sounding board for your ideas, help you track your progress, encourage you to try out new practices in your classroom, and celebrate with you as you complete each module.

Are you ready for e-learning?
The learner's experience in an e-learning model is different from that in a traditional professional development model. The learner decides when to review the content of the course and when it is most convenient to complete required activities. Because of this, to be a successful e-learner, you will need to be self-motivated and able to set and stick to schedules that you design. 

Read the following statements to help assess your interest and readiness to begin an e-learning program:

  • I am self-motivated and comfortable working alone.
  • I am well organized.
  • I can set aside time each week for assignments.
  • I like to communicate in different ways.
  • I am willing to ask for help when I need it.
  • I like to try new things

Basic computer skills are needed for the eCDA program. You'll be surprised how quickly you will feel comfortable navigating the Teaching Strategies online learning management system and the interactive modules. In addition, you'll have access to a help desk, dedicated to helping you solve any technology problems that come up with the eCDA program.

Read the following statements to help assess your skills and comfort level with computers:

  • I have convenient access to a computer, printer, and scanner.
  • I have a reliable broadband Internet connection.
  • I can use an Internet browser.
  • I can use software to create documents.
  • I can send and receive e-mail with attachments.
  • I can download and install software and plug-ins.

eCDA Computer Requirements
To access the eCDA program, you will need to have a reliable computer with a compatible browser and high-speed (broadband) Internet access. The eCDA program has the following technical requirements:

Operating system:

  • Windows 2000 XP, Vista, or higher
  • Macintosh OS X or higher

Browser:

  • Firefox 3.0 is highly recommended and preferred
  • Windows: Internet Explorer, version 7 or higher Mozilla Firefox, version 2 or higher
  • Macintosh: Mozilla Firefox, version 2 or higher

Internet connection:

  • Broadband: cable, DSL, T1, etc.

E-mail:

  • Software or a Web browser capable of supporting e-mail activity, including sending/receiving attached files.

Required Software:

  • Mocrosoft Word, or other word processing software
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader, version 6 or higher
  • Adobe Flash Player, version 8 or higher
    Download Adobe programs from: http://www.adobe.com