A person needs to be actively working with young children in order to go through the CDA process. This is because the candidate will need to be observed working in a program with young children by a certified Professional Development Specialist and the families in that program will complete questionnaires evaluating your work with their children. Before embarking on the CDA journey, the Candidate will acquire at least 120 clock hours of training and purchase a CDA Competency Standards book from the Council. It contains the materials needed to prepare and apply for a CDA. This can be ordered on the Council's website. You will need to specify the setting in which you work.
Many times, these materials can be vague and confusing and don't give enough specific information for you to feel confident about putting together the Professional Portfolio, writing the Statements of Competence, or preparing for the Verification Visit. This is often troublesome if you are working on your own or if you are the first to earn a CDA Credential at your workplace. Since 1998, I have been providing assistance, support, and helpful tools to make this process easier and less stressful... whether your setting is Center-based Preschool, Infant/Toddler, Family Child Care, or Home Visitor. I also provide materials in Spanish! Take a few minutes to explore my website. I think you'll be amazed by all the ways I can help YOU!