Welcome to A'al Ha-Mascam

This comprehensive resource provides aspiring professionals in Early Childhood Education with resources on obtaining classroom credentials. This site is provided in collaboration with the United Way First Things First Great Expectations for Teachers, Children, and Families grant.
Pathway Overview
CDA
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a widely recognized credential for employment in an early childhood setting. Its combination of academic and practical knowledge makes it excellent for professionals seeking direct employment. CDA course hours are generally not transferable for college credit.
Associates of Arts ECE
(AAECE)
The Associate of Arts ECE degree offered by Tohono O’odham Community College is designed for early childhood professionals who plan to transfer to a university to complete a 4-year degree program. It requires 62 hours of General Education, Core Curriculum, and Elective credit hours.
Associates of Science
(AASECE)
TOCC’s Associate of Applied Science ECE degree offered by TOCC is designed for students who wish to go directly into the childhood education field, or work in the field while attending college. It requires 62 hours of General Education, Core Curriculum, and Elective credit hours.
“Each of us must come to care about everyone else’s children. We must recognize that the welfare of our children and grandchildren is intimately linked to the welfare of all other people’s children. After all, when one of our children needs lifesaving surgery, someone else’s child will perform it. If one of our children is threatened or harmed by violence, someone else’s child will be responsible for the violent act. The good life for our own children can be secured only if a good life is also secured for all other people’s children.”
-Lilian Katz
A'al Ha-Mascam in the News
July 2020 News Letter


Requirements Overview
CDA Credential
1. Prepare
- Check the Requirements
- Complete Family Questionnaires and Professional Portfolio.
- Complete 480 work experience hours
2. Apply
- Choose a specialist
- Apply through the CDA website
- Complete your visit and CDA Exam
3. Renew
- Renew your credential every 3 years
AAECE Degree
- Apply to TOCC
- Submit your transcripts
2. Complete Coursework
- 38 General Education Hours
- 18 Core Requirement Hours
- 6 Elective Hours
3. Earn Your Degree
AASECE Degree
- Apply to TOCC
- Submit your transcripts
2. Complete Coursework
- 32 General Education Hours
- 18 Core Requirement Hours
- 12 Elective Hours
3. Earn Your Degree
Important Resources

TOCC
Tohono O'odham Community College offers AAECE, AASEC, and other Associates and certification programs to students in Southern Arizona.

CDA Council
The CDA Program is designed to assess and credential early childhood education professionals. Register for your exam on visit through the site.

First Things First
First Things First partners with families and communities to support the healthy development and learning of Arizona’s young children.

United Way
Building a Developmentally Appropriate Professional Development System