The Center for Quality Education (CQE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving education for the 21^st century.  CQE provides a series of courses that will prepare teachers in a preschool classroom or state-approved child development center.  The early childhood education curriculum is designed to meet the requirements for the Child Development Associates (CDA) national credential.  The CQE course series provides formal instruction and training to pre-school caregivers and teachers through a combination of online coursework, workshops, seminars, and center-based fieldwork.  The formal coursework includes 180 hours of education in child development.  Courses are designed to meet the CDA competency standards.   

• Course Information

• Required Facilities and Equipment

• Required Resources - Books, Videos, Journals

• Professional Organizations

Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

The Center for Quality Education Early Childhood Education Program is designed to provide formal coursework for Professional Child Development Associates (CDA) training and  prepares teachers for the CDA knowledge and competency assessments.  See the following web address for more information: 

• CDA Council - http://www.cdacouncil.org/

• NAEYC - http://www.naeyc.org/resources/position_statements/positions_intro.htm 

Core Body of Knowledge and Competencies (NAEYC)

Effective Teachers of Young Children:

• demonstrate an understanding of child development and can apply this knowledge in practice

• observe and assess children's behavior in planning and individualizing teaching practices and curriculum

• establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment for children

• plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum that advances all areas of children's learning and development, including social, emotional, intellectual, and physical competence

• establish supportive relationships with children and implement developmentally appropriate techniques of guidance and group management

• establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with families

• support the development and learning of individual children, recognizing that children are best understood in the context of family, culture, and society

• demonstrate an understanding of the early childhood profession and make a commitment to professionalism. 

For more information on professional certification:
Council For Professional Recognition
2460 16th Street, NW · Washington DC 20009-3575
Telephone: 800-424-4310 · 202-265-9090
Fax: 202-265-9161 

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

"The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) exists for the purpose of leading and consolidating the efforts of individuals and groups working to achieve healthy development and constructive education for all young children."