Description
Course Overview:
Make Every Moment Count — In Just Minutes a Day
Looking for simple, effective strategies you can start using right away in your early childhood classroom? Mini Moments, Big Impact is a free, fully online course designed by the Center for Family Policy and Research to help you build skills, gain confidence, and earn a certificate of completion—all at your own pace.
What You’ll Get:
- 50 bite-sized videos featuring tips and best-practice guidance for early childhood professionals
- Reflections and activities to help connect learning to real-world practice
- Certificate and digital badge to recognize your growth
- Self-paced format that fits your busy schedule
Time Commitment:
You can complete this course in just about two hours—perfect for gaining valuable skills without a big time commitment.
Learn It Today. Use It Tomorrow!
Whether you’re learning something new or reinforcing what you already know, this course turns everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities—for you and the children you serve.
Learning Outcomes:
By completing this course, learners will:
- Apply early childhood strategies in real classroom settings
- Support families by modeling how to use these tips at home
- Demonstrate knowledge with 70% or higher on each module assignment
Instructor(s):
Aileen Garcia and Elizabeth Ireland
Accommodations
University of Missouri Extension complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability and need accommodations in connection with participation in an educational program or you need materials in an alternate format, please notify your instructor as soon as possible so that necessary arrangements can be made. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. All requests must be made a minimum of 14 days before course start date. MU Extension will attempt to implement late requests but cannot guarantee they will be met.
Cancellations and Refund Requests
Access MU Extension’s Course Cancellation and Refund Policy for details.
Syllabus
Program Overview:
Make Every Moment Count — In Just Minutes a Day
Looking for simple, effective strategies you can start using right away in your early childhood classroom? Mini Moments, Big Impact is a free, fully online course designed by the Center for Family Policy and Research to help you build skills, gain confidence, and earn certificate of completion—all at your own pace.
Included Courses:
CDA Foundations Program and Portfolio: This interactive handbook is your companion through the CDA Prep Program, designed to guide you step-by-step toward earning your Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential.
Course 1: Planning a Safe and Healthy Learning Environment—Create clean, secure, and nurturing spaces that support children's health and safety. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 1.
Course 2: Advancing Children’s Physical and Intellectual Development—Support motor skills, problem-solving, and creativity through intentional play and learning. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 2.
Course 3: Supporting Children’s Social and Emotional Development—Help children build confidence, manage emotions, and form positive relationships. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 3.
Course 4: Building Productive Relationships with Families—Learn strategies for engaging families as partners in each child’s growth. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 4.
Course 5: Managing an Effective Program Operation—Develop organizational and leadership skills for a successful classroom or center. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 5.
Course 6: Maintaining a Commitment to Professionalism—Strengthen your professional identity through ethical practices and ongoing learning. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 6.
Course 7: Observing and Recording Children’s Behavior—Practice techniques for documenting development and using observations effectively. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 7.
Course 8: Understanding Principles of Child Development and Learning—Gain a solid foundation in how young children grow, learn, and develop from birth to age five. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 8.
Course 9: Early Childhood Classroom Management—Learn practical tools for guiding behavior and creating structured, positive environments. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Areas 5 & 6.
Course 10: Orientation to the Early Childhood Workplace—Prepare for real-world success with insight into roles, responsibilities, and expectations in the field. Meets the requirement for CDA Subject Area 6.
Program Format:
Online program.
Program Contact:
Elizabeth Ireland | Center for Family Policy and Research | email: irelande@missouri.edu
Department:
Health and Human Sciences
Program Completion:
Program completion certificate
Audience:
Early childhood professionals and aspiring early childhood professionals.
Accommodations
University of Missouri Extension complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability and need accommodations in connection with participation in an educational program or you need materials in an alternate format, please notify your instructor as soon as possible so that necessary arrangements can be made.
Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. All requests must be made a minimum of 14 days before course start date. MU Extension will attempt to implement late requests but cannot guarantee they will be met.
If you experience a digital accessibility issue at any time, on our website or during registration and enrollment, please let us know.
Cancellations and Refund Requests
Access MU Extension’s Course Cancellation and Refund Policy for details.
