Early Childhood CDA Help
Welcome!
If you're just considering or actually working toward a CDA Credential, you are to be commended! Aside from meeting mandates or enhancing marketability, going through the CDA process will reward you with confidence and new insight into working with young children. It also provides a sense of personal satisfaction in knowing you have the knowledge and tools to do your professional best.
Regardless of your point of origin: Center-based Caregiver, Family Child Care Provider, Center Director, or potential Early Childhood Professional, we can help you sort out the CDA confusion.
You may be in a formal CDA preparatory program or you may be working on your own. Whatever the case, you are certain to appreciate the easy-to-understand answers, suggestions, and support.
You now have a personal trainer...
A Helping Hand Along the Way to Your Credential TM
Providing Help to CDA Candidates Since 1998... You can find the help you need here!
"When I got my CDA packet from the Council, I was pretty overwhelmed. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help!" - Martha H., Indianapolis, IN
"If only somebody had given me a checklist or something before my Advisor came out, so I could tell if what I was doing was appropriate. I am so thankful you were there to help me out of the mess I was in." - Rachel W., Marietta, GA
"I received my packet from the Council and just left it on the desk for two months. It all just seemed like too much. I didn't know where to start. Then, I found your website and got some direction! Thank you." - Katherine M., Miami, FL
"The best part was how you let me know what to expect along the way!" - Tia L., Chicago, IL
"My director said I needed a CDA, but she really didn't know that much about it and couldn't offer any help. I'm really glad my co-teacher came across your website!" - Carolyn T., Carmel, IN
"I'm a home daycare provider and I was trying to do this without any help. I was very confused about how my Resource File was supposed to look and how I was supposed to go about writing the Competency Goals. I honestly almost gave up! Your patience, materials, and phone calls helped me hang in there! Thanks again." - Janet M., Traverse City, MI
What You Will Find on This Website
You will find help for whatever your particular setting and age group. There is also a Blog, where you can post questions and chat with other CDA candidates, a Suggested Reading page for professional development, and a Newsletter with up-to-the minute news about the CDA.
Please be advised... Don't be confused by copycats! This is the original website of its kind, providing help and support since 1998!
Have a question or comment? Email me at: easycda@easycda.com
What Is a CDA?
A CDA (Child Development Credential) is a competency-based, nationally recognized credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, DC. The Council was originally formed as a separate entity of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), but responsibility was taken over completely by the Council in 1985.
The CDA is an entry level credential which is required, in most states, for family child care licensing, and to be a lead teacher or a director in center-based programs. The CDA process requires 120 clock hours of training, a collection of documentation, observation at the workplace by a CDA Advisor, and participation in a Verification Visit with a Council Representative.
Since 1975, well over 200,000 care providers have earned a CDA credential, with more than 15,000 applying each year.
You can visit the Council website at http://www.cdacouncil.org
Why Would Candidates Need Help?
A person needs to be working with young children in order to go through the CDA process. This is because he or she will need to be observed working with young children. Before embarking on the CDA journey, the candidate will acquire at least 120 clock hours of training and purchase a CDA Application packet from the Council. This packet can be requested by calling the Council: 1-800-424-4310 and specifing the setting in which you work...
- Family Child Care
- Center-based Infant/Toddler
- Center-based Preschool
The packet from the Council includes an application form and a booklet of information about the CDA process. Many times, this information is vague and confusing to candidates, and doesn't give enough specific information for them to feel confident about putting together the Professional Resource File, writing the Competency Goal Statements, or preparing for the Verification Visit. This is especially troublesome if the candidate is working on her own or if she is the first to earn a CDA credential at her center.
If help and support is to be useful, it needs to address the specific setting and age group a candidate is working with. There should be suggestions for all steps in the CDA process, so the candidate can feel comfortable and confident going into the Verification Visit. Take a moment to visit the CDA Prep Guide section of this website for more information.
