Child Development

IDEA's child development pathway includes rigorous classroom instruction in human growth and development and the principles of early childhood education as well as extensive hands-on practical experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. In 2021, IDEA launched a unique partnership with Educare DC to build an early learning center on our campus. This center provides high-quality early education in our community for 80 infants and toddlers as well as prenatal classes for expecting parents. At the same time, having an early learning center located within IDEA offers Child Development scholars safe, accessible opportunities to observe early education in action, receive mentorship from experienced educators, and complete the practical hours required for the Child Development Associate credential.

Course Sequence

All IDEA ninth graders take Introduction to Careers, which provides opportunities to sample all four CTE pathways offered at IDEA. Scholars who choose to pursue the Child Development pathway will then take the following courses:

>Principles of Education and Training
>Human Growth & Development*
>Instructional Practices* taken concurrently with Practicum in Education and Training
>Practicum in Education and Training* taken concurrently with Instructional Practices
Scholars are required to complete 480 hours of hands-on training.

*Child Development Associate requirements

Skills and Credentials

Through our partnership with the DC Office of the State Superintendent Education, scholars who complete the sequence of child development courses at IDEA are eligible to earn their Child Development Associate credential. Scholars who fulfill the CDA requirements and pass the exam receive their credential upon high school graduation. Credentialed graduates are eligible to work as teaching assistants for a licensed child care provider in DC and many other states. CDA certification can also be applied toward college credits if scholars choose pursue their associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field. For example, Trinity University Washington gives its incoming students nine credits for their CDA credentials.

As part of DC’s initiative to increase the number of highly qualified child care workers in the city, OSSE helps prospective teachers find opportunities to continue their education while working in the field. For example, through the National Black Child Development Institute, individuals who have earned their CDA and who work at least 25 hours per week at a child care center are eligible to pursue an education degree and receive scholarship funding of up to 90% of their tuition. Some child care centers will also subsidize tuition for their employees. Many programs offer child care and transportation stipends for teaching assistants who are pursuing further education.

Career Options

Scholars who complete the Child Development pathway may go on to pursue careers such as

Child Care Center Owner
Child Life Specialist
Counselor
Early Childhood Educator
Elementary Educator
Family Lawyer
Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Pediatrician
Psychologist
Social Worker
Speech Language Pathologist

Industry Advisory Council

Educare DC
Appletree Institute for Education Innovation
University of the District of Columbia Community College
Office of the State Superintendent of Education
Southeast Children’s Fund

Child Development News

Child Development Scholars Design Schools for End-of-Year Showcase

Community Celebrates Completion of Educare DC Early Learning School at IDEA

Child Development Scholars Learn First Aid and CPR

Educare Child Care Center at IDEA Nearing Completion

Educare-IDEA Child Care Center Under Construction

IDEA Announces New Partnership with Educare DC

IDEA Child Development Instructor Ashley Jones has more than 16 years of experience working in early childhood education, child development, and higher education. Ms. Jones is passionate about working in the education field, teaching, counseling, and mentoring scholars to exceed their potential.