Southeast Children’s Fund has been conducting CDA training continuously for over 25 years. It was one of five original partners established by the former Office of Early Childhood Development to improve the knowledge and skills of District child care workers in an effort to improve the quality of child care for low-income families.

In 2012 SCF was awarded a five-year grant to manage the newly formed Child Development Associate Preparation and Assessment Scholarship Program that combined the functions of two formerly separate CDA Program entities. Since its inception the SCF/Professional Development Institute has prepared over 2,500 child care providers for their CDA credential and renewal. In addition, because it is a licensed non-degree post-secondary institution capable of awarding CEUs it has prepared the way for many to apply their training toward a college degree in the field of early childhood development.

SCF enjoys a highly trained staff for both its child development program and professional development institute, with degrees ranging from AAs to PhDs. The CDA instructional staff has considerable experience in early childhood and adult education, and all are certified trainers and professional development specialists.