I completed my CDA training. Do I have a CDA Credential now? - post

The answer is No. Completing your CDA (Child Development Associate) training is an important step, but it does not automatically mean you have earned the CDA Credential. Here’s what you need to do after completing your training to obtain the credential:

Accumulate Work Experience

• You need to document at least 480 hours of professional experience working directly with young children in the age group you are pursuing for your CDA Credential. The specific settings include:
• Infants/Toddlers: Birth to 36 months.
• Preschool: Ages 3-5 years.
• Family Child Care: Mixed-age groups in a #home-based setting.
• Home Visitor: Working with families in their #homes.
• This experience ensures that you have hands-on practice in implementing what you learned during your training in a real-world setting. Be sure to keep records of your hours and the settings in which you worked.

Create a Professional Portfolio

Your Professional Portfolio is a key component of the CDA process. It demonstrates your skills, philosophy, and competency as an #early-childhood #educator. It must include:

• Statements of Competence: Write six reflective statements that explain how you meet each of the CDA Competency Standards.
• Resource Collection: Compile items such as #lesson-plans, sample forms, and documentation that showcase your work with children.
• Family Questionnaire: Collect feedback from families you work with regarding their experience with your program or services.
• A well-prepared portfolio highlights your #preparedness and understanding of best practices in #early-childhood-education.

Apply to the CDA Council

• Visit the CDA Council for Professional Recognition website to submit your application.
• Include all required documentation, such as proof of training, work experience, and your completed portfolio.
• Pay the application fee (currently $425 for online submission or $500 for paper submission).
• Once your application is accepted, you’ll receive instructions to schedule the next steps, including the verification visit and CDA exam.

Verification Visit

• A Professional Development Specialist (PDS) will conduct a verification visit to evaluate your skills and competency in a real-world setting.
• This visit includes:
• Observation: The PDS will watch you as you interact with children in your #classroom or work environment. They’ll assess how you create a positive, engaging, and educational atmosphere.
• Portfolio Review: The PDS will review your Professional Portfolio and discuss its contents with you, focusing on your understanding of best practices.
• Prepare thoroughly by ensuring your portfolio is complete and your environment reflects the CDA standards.

Pass the CDA Exam

• The CDA Exam is a computer-based test administered at an authorized testing center.
• It consists of 65 multiple-choice questions based on the CDA standards and principles. Topics include child #development, #safety, #health, curriculum, and family #engagement.
• Review study materials provided by the CDA Council or other resources to ensure you’re well-prepared.
• Once you pass the exam and complete the verification visit, the CDA Council will evaluate your performance and notify you of your results.

Once you have completed all of these steps and met the Council’s requirements, you will be awarded the CDA Credential.