If you are an early childcare professional who is passionate about caring for children and teaching,
the Child Development Associate or CDA Certification is right for you. But if this is the first time you’ve
heard of CDA Certification, don’t worry! We’re here to share with you everything you need to know
about it
CDA Training Courses at Southeast Children’s Fund | Prepare for Your CDA Exam
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is the most widely recognized credential in the Early Childhood Education field and is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. Students at SCF-PDI can choose to prepare for a CDA credential in Center-Based, Infant-Toddler; Center-Based, Preschool; or Family Child Care.
The CDA Certification is awarded to early childhood education professionals who have met the requirements based on a set of competency standards determined by the Council for Professional Regulations. Not only is it a widely recognized credential, it’s also a key steppingstone that can help anyone advance their career. Earning the CDA certification signifies that you have the ability, skills, and knowledge necessary to nurture the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development of young children.
Becoming a CDA certified professional may be a huge commitment, but it can benefit you and your career goals in several different ways. For one, getting the CDA certification can help advance your career. Your certification stands as a proof of your knowledge and skills in the field of early childhood education. And this means more opportunities when it comes to jobs and career advancement. Being a CDA holder can also help you give parents the peace of mind from knowing that their kids are under the best care of a certified childcare professional.
To earn the CDA certification, you must complete 120 hours of professional education in early childhood development. You must also have 480 hours of experience working with kids in the field indicated in your application. You will also be required to submit your professional portfolio. As soon as your documents are complete, you can proceed to schedule your verification visit and CDA exam. You then need to pass both to become a full-fledged CDA holder.
The Child Development Associate Credential focuses on 6 Competency Goals and 13 Functional Areas which encompasses 8 Subject Areas:
1. Planning a safe and healthy learning environment
2. Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development
3. Supporting children’s social and emotional development
4. Building productive relationships with families
5. Managing an effective program
6. Maintaining a Commitment to Professionalism
7. Observing and Recording Behavior
8. Understanding the Principle of child development and learning.
The CDA exam is one of the most important factors that determine whether can obtain the CDA certification or not. But don’t worry! At Southeast Children’s Fund, we make sure that you are provided with everything you need to successfully pass the test.
SCF’s CDA Training provides fun and innovative training like no other. We use the scenario-based approach which is scientifically proven to be effective. The scenario-based training trains your mind to react to various situations that may arise in classroom, so you know how to respond and handle situations effectively in real life.
**Taking our CDA courses at Southeast Children’s Fund will make you love what you do even more! It’s time to move your career forward and become a CDA certified professional! **
Teachers, if you wish to renew your CDA Credential you must receive a minimum of 4.5 CEUs for 45 additional hours of coursework in early childhood education. This must be completed within three years of receiving your initial Credential, and every five years thereafter. For further information, please check the Council for Professional Recognition’s website at www.cdacouncil.org.
For information about the CDA Assessment, please go to the website for the Council for Professional Recognition at www.cdacouncil.org
You must pre-register for the information session. Call 202-561-1100 ext. 4 to register or the online interest form.
At the information session you will learn:
• Why the CDA is the “Best First Step”?
• Steps to prepare, apply and earn your CDA Credential
• What is a Professional Portfolio?
• Advantages of choosing either Face to Face or online learning.
Attending the information session counts for 3 hours toward the 120 Certificate.
1. Be employed in a child development facility licensed by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) or a resident of District of Columbia.
2. Have a high school diploma or GED
3. Complete the following forms: *Please send completed forms to southeastcda@gmail.com
For questions related to CDA Program or resources for early childhood educators, please contact the CDA team at southeastcda@gmail.com or at (202) 561-1100 ext. 4. You may also contact the OSSE ECE Help Desk at ECEhelpdesk@dc.gov or (202) 478-5903.