This instructor's guide, which is part of the training materials used in the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing Program, outlines coursework for a 6-month CDA seminar. The guide begins by describing the background, purpose, and curriculum design of the CDA Professional Preparation Program. An overview of the field experiences and coursework required of CDA candidates and of the evaluation process of candidates is included. The seminar is divided into the following seven units: (1) introduction to the early childhood profession; (2) ways to study how children learn and grow; (3) ways to set up a safe and healthy learning environment; (4) ways to support children's social and emotional development; (5) steps to advance children's physical and intellectual competence; (6) keys to establish productive relationships with families; and (7) synthesis of what has been learned as an early childhood education professional. For each unit, the guide includes objectives, a description of the instructor's role, follow-up assignments initiated during fieldwork, additional discussion topics, and resources for information related to the unit. Appendixes include a chart showing the correspondence between CDA competency goals and functional areas with units in this guide, and a list of performance items for rating CDA candidates. (MM)