The beginning of the CDA - post

The CDA was created to provide #early-childhood- #educators with a formal recognition of their skills, knowledge, and competence in the field of #early-childhood-education. The credential was designed to enhance the quality of care and education for young children by ensuring that #teachers and caregivers are adequately trained and qualified.

Origins of the CDA:

The CDA was #developed in 1975 by the Council for Professional Recognition (CPR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting professional standards for #early-childhood-educators. The CDA was part of a larger effort to professionalize the field of #early-childhood education and improve the quality of care and learning for young children in the United States.

The CDA was based on the recognition that early childhood educators #play a critical role in shaping the #development of children from birth to age 8. The credential provided a standardized way to recognize the skills and knowledge needed to work with young children and families in a variety of early childhood settings, such as #daycare-centers, #preschools, and Head Start programs.

Purpose of the CDA:

The CDA credential serves several important purposes:

1. Professional Development: It provides early childhood educators with a clear framework for developing their skills and advancing their #careers in the field.
2. Standardization: It sets a national standard for early childhood professionals, ensuring that educators meet a set of competencies and are trained in areas like child development, curriculum planning, and family #engagement.
3. Quality Assurance: By requiring educators to meet specific criteria, including completing coursework, gaining experience, and demonstrating competency in the #classroom, the CDA aims to improve the overall quality of care and education for young children.

How the CDA Works:

To earn a CDA, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Complete 120 hours of professional education in early childhood education (this includes courses related to child development, #health-and- #safety, and teaching strategies).
• Experience: Accumulate 480 hours of work experience in an early childhood setting (about six months of full-time work).
• Competency Standards: Demonstrate competence in several key areas of child development through written documentation and a portfolio.
• Observation: Undergo an assessment that includes a classroom observation by a CDA assessor.
• Professional Philosophy: Submit a reflective statement and a resource file as part of the application process.

Impact and Evolution:

Over the years, the CDA has become one of the most widely recognized and respected credentials in early childhood education in the United States. It has helped elevate the professional status of early childhood educators and provided many with a pathway to career advancement and higher wages.

The CDA is often considered a foundational step for those pursuing careers in early childhood education, and it is sometimes a requirement for employment in early childhood settings, particularly in Head Start programs and other federally funded programs.

The credential is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect current best practices in the field of early childhood education, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in improving care for young children.

If you're considering pursuing a CDA or are just curious about it, it's an important credential in the field of early childhood education and a way to demonstrate your expertise in working with young children.

#head-start

#cpr

#cda

#health-and