FAQs

Individuals interested in entry level positions working with young children

Notice: This course of study would not be appropriate for anyone who falls into the following category as noted by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. “No person with a conviction or who is under indictment for, or is the subject of an official criminal complaint alleging violation of any of the crimes listed as a felony against the person or felony violation of the Texas Controlled Substance Act may be present while children are in care.”

Program course synopsis - Formal training (120 hours) in the six CDA Competency Goals and 13 Functional Areas. CDEC 1017 Child Development Associate l 48 hrs. CDEC 1017 Child Development Associate ll 48 hrs. CDEC 1017 Child Development Associate lII 48 hrs.

 

High School Diploma or GED.

What is the cost of tuition - The cost is $345.00 per course not including books and materials.

Is there an attendance policy - Must attend at least 80% of scheduled class time.

Length of program - 6 months

 

Please call the office for course and material information at 713.718.6303

 

Welcome, Future Continuing Education Student

You are ready to take the next step toward a new career or a job promotion, or you have a hobby or interest that you want to pursue more deeply. HCC’s short, affordable, non-credit CE courses are the place to start!

Apply Today

 

 

Application Process

Step 1: Apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) If this is your first time applying for financial aid, you must apply for a PIN.

• Dependent students: Your parent or guardian must also apply for a PIN.
• The PIN serves as your electronic signature and is required to validate your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• You only need to apply for a PIN once. If you forget your PIN, you can retrieve it by email or mail.
• Keep your PIN secure and do not share it with others.

Step 2: Complete the FAFSA
Submit your FAFSA online at fafsa.ed.gov.

• A FAFSA must be submitted each academic year you seek financial aid.
• Use Houston Community College’s Federal School Code: 010422 to ensure your application is sent to the correct institution.

Step 3: Review Your Student Aid Report (SAR)
After submitting your FAFSA:

• You will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) via email or mail within 3–5 business days.
• The HCC Financial Aid Office will receive your SAR within 1–2 weeks.

Step 4: Contact Leslie Comfort
Call 713.718.6303 to discuss your program of study.

• Be ready to share information from your SAR during this conversation.

Step 5: Determine your start date

• confirm the date you will begin your program.

Step 6: Register for Classes

• Once your start date is confirmed, proceed with course registration.

 

Classes are offered at:

• Central Campus. 1300 Holman, Houston, TX 77004
• Alief Campus, 13803 Bissonnet, Houston TX 77083
• West Loop Campus, 5601 West Loop South, Houston TX 77081

How do I Become Credentialed?

The Council for Professional Recognition mandates the following:

• Must have a high school diploma, or equivalent, or you are a junior or senior in a high school vocational program in early education.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write well enough to perform the responsibilities of a CDA. Within the Last Five Years:
• Professional experience (480 hours)
   Must complete each course with a grade of “C” or better to receive a certificate within the Last Twelve Months:
• Observation
• Portfolio
• Parent Opinion Questionnaires

 

Yes, the Houston Community College Early Childhood Program will award six academics credit if the following are met:

• Successful completion of each course
• CDA Credential awarded by the Council for Professional recognition

How do I become a Director of a licensed child care facility? 

Obtain a copy of Minimum Standards for Day care Centers in Texas at the Department of Family and Protective Services. You may also call the Child care Licensing Division of Department of Public And Regulatory Services at 713 940 5200 for additional information. Director qualifications are a combination of education and experience.

What type of job will I get with a CDA? - Teacher Assistant in a daycare or Pre-K environment.

 

As an HCC Student, you have access to The Career Planning Resource staff, and the Virtual Career Center. (VCC)

Career Planning Advisors:

• Central College
  713 718 6176
• Northwest College
  713-718-5802
• Southwest College
  713-718-7718
• Southeast College
  713-718-6826
• Northeast College
• 713-718-5291