Child Development Associate National Credential (CDA) Certificate

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The Child Development Associate (CDA) Training Program provides an individual with the necessary training through concurrent lecture and practical application in an early childhood setting to successfully complete the CDA assessment and credentialing process administered independently through the Council for Professional Recognition. Upon graduation, a student is responsible for retaining an advisor for assessment, apply for the credentialing process and submit all required documents to the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, DC. This information can be on the website at http://www.cdacouncil.org/.

Students must select one or have an option of applying for dual certification under five settings offered for training and subsequent assessment: (1) infants/toddlers in center‐based programs, (2) preschoolers in center‐based programs, (3) family child care programs, (4) home visitor programs, and (5) bilingual specialization for those working in bilingual programs.

Requirements: By the first day of lecture courses CDEC 2322 and/or 2324, a student must submit a letter from an approved early childhood setting.

Students enrolled in Cooperative Education Courses: CDEC 1380 or CDEC 1381 must complete a minimum of 360 hours per semester week at an early childhood setting (it can be paid or volunteer) approved by the department as set in a district contract. Other early childhood educational settings may require additional screenings or background checks such as a current PPD (Tuberculosis) screening. The CDA Program can serve as building blocks or exit points for the Technical Certificate of Completion or AAS degree program.

The CDA courses are offered in a flex fast‐track program which can be completed in one semester.