Early Childhood Education

Child Development Associate ® (CDA) Prior Learning Credit

Students can get credit for prior learning based on their experience working in the early childhood field.  For those who have earned the Child Development Associate CDA® Certificate, Heartland is offering 6 hours of college credit for prior learning based on their experience working in the early childhood field in a center-based preschool. If someone has their CDA, they will automatically get credit for the following classes:

• CHLD 103: Healthy Interactions, Relationships and Environment (ECE Level 2)
• CHLD 121: Foundations of Child Development (ECE Level 2)
• CHLD 228: Foundations of Health, Safety & Nutrition for the Young Child I (ECE Level 2)

Prior Learning Assessments

Heartland provides opportunities for those working in early childhood education at least one year to earn college credit for prior learning and experience in the field. PLAs can be taken for several ECE classes and if passed, students test out of the course and receive college credit.

Learn more information by visiting the Early Childhood Education page on prior learning