The PD Specialist and Scheduling a Verification Visit - post

The journey to earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential culminates with a Verification Visit, an essential part of the assessment process. This visit is conducted by a CDA Professional Development (PD) Specialist, who evaluates your teaching practices, reviews your portfolio, and helps verify your readiness for the CDA credential. In this article, we will walk through the detailed steps of finding a PD Specialist and scheduling a Verification Visit to successfully complete the CDA process.

Step 1: Understanding the Role of the PD Specialist

A PD Specialist #plays a critical role in the CDA assessment process. They are experienced #early-childhood professionals who have been trained and certified by the Council for Professional Recognition to evaluate CDA candidates. Their main responsibilities during the Verification Visit include:

• Reviewing your CDA Professional Portfolio: This includes your Competency Statements, Professional Philosophy Statement, and documentation of your training and experience.
• Conducting a Classroom Observation: The PD Specialist will observe you interacting with children in your work setting to assess how you implement the CDA Competency Standards.
• Facilitating the Reflective Dialogue: After the observation, the PD Specialist will engage you in a discussion to reflect on your teaching practices, allowing you to demonstrate your understanding of #early-childhood-education.

Step 2: Preparing to Find a PD Specialist

Before you begin the search for a PD Specialist, it’s essential to ensure you’ve completed all the prerequisites for the CDA process:

• Completion of the 120 hours of formal early childhood education training across the eight required subject areas.
• Documenting 480 hours of professional work experience with children in the age group for which you’re seeking the credential (infants/ #toddlers, #preschool, or family child care).
• Assembling your CDA Professional Portfolio with all required documents, including Competency Standards, reflective statements, resource collection items, and your Professional Philosophy Statement.

Once these steps are complete, you can move forward with finding a PD Specialist.

Step 3: Searching for a PD Specialist

The Council for Professional Recognition provides an online tool to help CDA candidates find a PD Specialist in their area. Follow these steps:

• Log in to the CDA Council''s Online Portal: Begin by accessing the CDA Council''s website and logging in to the "YourCDA" portal. If you haven’t already created an account, you will need to register to access the tools needed for the next steps.
• Search for PD Specialists: Once logged in, use the "Find a PD Specialist" tool within your account. You can filter your search by location and CDA setting (infant/toddler, preschool, or family child care) to find a PD Specialist who matches your needs.
• Review Potential PD Specialists: After generating a list of PD Specialists in your area, review their profiles carefully. You will find information about their experience, qualifications, and any special areas of focus they may have. It’s important to select someone who aligns with your professional setting and can evaluate your skills effectively.
• Reach Out to a PD Specialist: Once you’ve found a PD Specialist who seems like a good fit, contact them directly through the portal. You can ask any questions you may have about the process and availability, and discuss potential dates for your Verification Visit.

Step 4: Scheduling the Verification Visit

After selecting and contacting a PD Specialist, it’s time to schedule your Verification Visit. This visit can only occur after you’ve submitted your CDA application and received your Ready to Schedule notice from the Council for Professional Recognition.

• Coordinate with Your PD Specialist: When you receive the Ready to Schedule notification, contact your selected PD Specialist to finalize the date, time, and location for the Verification Visit. The visit will occur in your workplace, where you regularly interact with children, so you should ensure you can demonstrate your teaching practices during typical #classroom activities.
• Plan the Visit: Confirm with your PD Specialist the specific logistics of the Verification Visit.

Step 5: Completing the Verification Visit

On the day of the Verification Visit, you’ll demonstrate your knowledge and competence in early childhood education.

Step 6: After the Verification Visit

Following the Verification Visit, the PD Specialist will submit their evaluation and feedback to the Council for Professional Recognition. The council will review your portfolio, observation results, and exam scores before making a final decision on awarding the CDA Credential.

Conclusion

Finding the right PD Specialist and successfully scheduling your Verification Visit are critical steps in earning your CDA Credential. By preparing thoroughly, completing your portfolio, and carefully selecting a qualified PD Specialist, you’ll be well-equipped to demonstrate your skills and knowledge, bringing you one step closer to achieving your CDA Credential.

Need additional help finding a PD Specialist or preparing for your Verification Visit? ChildCareEd has tons of FREE resources to support your CDA process.