The Early Childhood Professions Program prepares students with the knowledge and skills to work with young children in child-related careers. Students have the opportunity to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. This is a national credential obtained through the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program administered by the Council for Professional Recognition. Students who earn a CDA have demonstrated their ability to work with young children and meet all six Competency Goals.

This course meets 3 hours per day and is a two-year program. Three days each week, students acquire 480 hours of hands-on childcare experience through the Chillicothe Early Learning Center and other community preschools and childcare facilities. The other two days are spent in the Early Childhood Professions classroom which is located at Chillicothe R-2 School District’s Early Learning Center where students gain more than 120 hours of instruction.