The CDA Credential is a great way to start out your journey of lifelong learning and professionalism in Early Childhood
What IS a CDA?
The CDA (Child Development Associate Credential©) is a competency-based and 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.
Since 1975, over 800,000 care providers have earned a CDA credential, with more than 20,000 applying each year.
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.
Since 1975, over 800,000 care providers have earned a CDA credential, with more than 20,000 applying each year.
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.
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!
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!
