A Simple Guide to the CDA Credential: What It Is and How to Get It - post

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a professional certification for people who work with young children. It shows that you have the skills and knowledge to help children grow and learn in a #safe, #healthy environment. The CDA Credential is widely recognized and can help advance your #career-in- #early-childhood-education.

Here’s a basic look at what the CDA Credential is and how you can earn it.

What is the CDA Credential?

The CDA Credential is given by the Council for Professional Recognition. It’s designed for anyone working with children from birth to age five in settings like child care centers, family #homes, or #preschools. This credential proves that you understand child #development and can create a good learning environment for young children.

Why is the CDA Important?

Having a CDA Credential can help you get better jobs, increase your pay, and show #parents and employers that you are dedicated to providing high-quality care for children. It also helps you improve your skills so you can be even more effective in your work.

Steps to Get Your CDA Credential

Here are the basic steps you need to follow to earn the CDA Credential:

Choose the CDA Setting

First, decide what kind of CDA Credential you want to earn. There are four settings you can choose from:

• Center-Based Preschool (working with children ages 3-5 in a child care center)
• Center-Based Infant/Toddler (working with children ages birth-3 in a child care center)
• Family Child Care (working with children in a family child care home)
• Home Visitor (working with families and their children in their homes)

Choose the setting that matches your job and the age group you work with.

Complete 120 Hours of Education

You need to complete 120 hours of formal training in #early-childhood-education. This training covers topics like child development, #safety, learning environments, and teaching practices. You can take this training through online courses, local workshops, or community colleges. Some programs, like ChildCareEd, offer CDA training online to help you meet this requirement.

Gain Work Experience

You must have at least 480 hours of experience working with young children. This experience should be in the same setting as the CDA you’re applying for, such as a child care center, family child care, or home visitor program.

Prepare Your Professional Portfolio

As part of the application process, you will need to put together a professional portfolio. This is a collection of materials that show your skills and knowledge as an #early-childhood #educator. The portfolio includes items like #lesson-plans, examples of activities you’ve done with children, and parent feedback.

Apply for the CDA Credential

Once you have completed your education and work experience, you can apply for your CDA Credential online through the Council for Professional Recognition. There is an application fee that you will need to pay at this stage.

Verification Visit

After you submit your application, a CDA Professional Development Specialist will schedule a visit to observe you in your work setting. They will watch you interact with the children and review your portfolio to make sure you meet the CDA standards.

Take the CDA Exam

You will also need to take a multiple-choice exam at a testing center. The exam covers the information you learned during your CDA training. It’s an important part of showing you understand early childhood education principles.

Earn Your CDA

If you pass the exam and your verification visit goes well, you will be awarded the CDA Credential! You will receive a certificate from the Council for Professional Recognition, and your credential will be valid for three years.

Final Thoughts

The CDA Credential is a great way to improve your skills and advance your career in early childhood education. By completing training, gaining experience, and demonstrating your abilities, you can earn this valuable certification and open new doors in your career.

If you’re interested in getting started, look for online CDA training programs like those offered by ChildCareEd to complete your 120 hours of training and take the first step toward earning your CDA.