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WHAT'S NEW?
 
NEW EDITIONS OF THE CDA BOOKLETS
    In January of 2006, the Council began sending out the new, 2nd edition of the Assessment System and Competency Standards booklets (the yellow, blue, or green booklets that come in the Application Packet). This is the first revision of these booklets since the mid-90's. Most of the content remained the same, except for the items required in the Resource Collection. Some of the 17 items listed are essentially the same, except for a new emphasis on technology and diversity. Other items are entirely different than the ones listed in the older edition. 
 
    The Council realizes that many candidates were already working on their CDA and using the older edition when the new version became available. Therefore, candidates will be allowed to use either edition until the end of 2008. After that time, the Council will expect candidates to use the new, 2nd edition guidelines for assembling the Resource Collection.
 
    The information I have included in the CDA Prep Manual is based on the new, 2nd edition of the CDA booklets. If you will be using it, you will want to check to see which Council booklet you have. If it is the older edition, the CDA Prep Guide will not correspond with it. I would suggest assembling your Resource Collection according to the new, 2nd edtion, if possible.
 
THE COUNCIL'S NEW "ONLINE ASSESSMENT"
    Recently, the Council began promoting its new "Online Assessment" on their website (Actually, it was unveiled at last December's national NAEYC convention in Chicago). It is scheduled to launch sometime in Fall of 2008.
 
    Upon reading over the information provided on the Council website, one gets the impression that the CDA process will soon be totally online and much of the work that a CDA entailed will no longer be required. However, this is not the case! Actually, the only part of the CDA process that will be online is the application and part of the Verification Visit requirements. Candidates will still need to produce a Professional Resource File, write the Competency Goal Statements, be observed by an Advisor, and meet with a Council Representative.  
 
       According to a Council spokesperson, not all the wrinkles in this new system have been ironed out and specific details about how all of this will work is still unclear. They are certain, however, that essentially all of the former CDA requirements will still be expected and CDA Representatives will still meet with candidates. I will be sure to share any updated information here, as it becomes available.