The CNM Child Development Certificate of Achievement is aligned to support the New Mexico Child Development Certificate (CDC) offered by the New Mexico Office of Child Development. The New Mexico Child Development Certificate is the state equivalent of the Child Development Associate (CDA). CNM offers the coursework for the Child Development Certificate in English and Spanish.
The CNM Child Development Certificate fulfills the coursework for the New Mexico Child Development Certificate. Individuals must be currently working in a child-care setting to qualify for the state certificate. To apply for the New Mexico Child Development Certificate, an applicant must request a Certificate Packet from the New Mexico Kids Network office by calling (505) 277-1118. To successfully complete this packet requires verification of completion of certificate coursework, professional resource file, family opinion questionnaire, observation and oral interview.
Students who complete the Child Development Certificate will be able to continue their coursework to pursue an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education (ECME) in the following degree concentrations:
Birth - 3rd Teacher: This concentration is designed for students who are or would like to work as early childhood teachers in the private sector, teacher’s aides in an elementary school, or interested in becoming a licensed PreK- 3rd grade teacher in an elementary school (upon completion of a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood).
Early Childhood Program Administration: This concentration is designed for people who are or would like to work as administrators of early education programs. Students completing this degree can continue to a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood.
Infant Family Studies: This concentration is designed for people who are or would like to work in the early intervention or home visiting field and/or complete a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood.
Special Requirements
A background check is not required for successful completion of this certificate; however, it may be required for certain employment opportunities.
Although the program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid, there are some possible outside funding options (i.e. VA, DVR, institutional funding, etc.). For more information go to http://www.cnm.edu/depts/financial-aid.
Career Opportunities
Students who receive the NM State Child Development Certificate are employed almost immediately upon graduation. There is tremendous need for well-qualified early care and education workers in some of the following areas: child care, educational assistants, head start and early care teachers, early care administration, early intervention and home visiting. Work is available with programs such as Head Start, Even Start, private and public child-care facilities and preschools serving the needs of children birth to age five. Private and public schools also employ students as educational assistants.
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