WHAT IS A CDA CREDENTIAL?The Child Development Associate
Credential or CDA is a national credential awarded by the
Council for Professional Recognition. It is designed for
individuals who are currently employed in childcare with
children five years of age or younger. The credential is earned
by following the assessment procedures set by the Council. The
CDA Credential may be earned in a center-based setting with
preschool or infant-toddler endorsements; and in family day
care. There is a $325 assessment fee payable to the Council by
the candidate. The CDA Credential is different from the
associate degree and certificate of achievement in Child
Development, which are conferred by LCC after completing a
specified set of courses. However, courses taken at LCC toward
the CDA credential may be used toward the LCC certificate or
associate degree.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE CDA CREDENTIAL?
Individuals must have at least 480 hours of experience working
with children before applying. LCC's CDA Training Program is
designed for individuals already employed in childcare at lease
eight hours per week. Those who are not will need to volunteer
in a consistent setting for at least two half-days per week.
Contact Jane Bobay to discuss this option.
WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE CDA?
Formal training must be for a minimum of 120 clock hours with no
fewer than ten (10) hours in each of eight (8) required content
areas. Required content areas are: 1. Planning a safe, healthy
environment to invite learning. 2. Steps to advance children's
physical and intellectual development. 3. Positive ways to
support children's social and emotional development. 4.
Strategies to establish productive relationships with families.
5. Strategies to manage an effective program operation. 6.
Maintaining a commitment to professionalism. 7. Observing and
recording children's behavior. 8. Principles of child growth and
development. LCC has courses that meet these training areas.
WHAT COURSES SHOULD I TAKE TO MEET FORMAL TRAINING STANDARDS?
The following courses meet CDA requirements:
PRESCHOOL-BASED CREDENTIAL
CHDV 100 (3 credits), offered every semester
CHDV 101 (4 credits), offered every semester
CHDV 111 (4 credits), offered Fall & Spring
CHDV 220 (4 credits), offered Fall & Spring
CHDV 251 (3 credits), offered Fall & Spring
INFANT/TODDLER-BASED CREDENTIAL
CHDV 100 (3 credits), offered every semester
CHDV 101 (4 credits), offered every semester
CHDV 111 (4 credits), offered Fall & Spring
CHDV 221 (4 credits), offered Fall & Summer
CHDV 251 (3 credits), offered spring only
FAMILY DAY CARE CREDENTIAL
If the children in your home are primarily preschoolers, follow
the courses listed for the preschool credential.
If the children in your home are primarily infants and toddlers,
follow the courses listed for the infant/toddler credential.
In addition, it is highly recommended that candidates take CHDV
131-Family Day Care Management (2 credits), 32 hours of training, fall
semester.
MUST I TAKE ALL OF THESE
CLASSES?
Individuals who already have some training may not need to take
all of these classes. Other classes, or some subset of these, may be
substituted to complement the training already attained. In all cases,
it is important that the standard of 10 hours of training in each of the
eight specified content areas be met. After you enroll in LCC's CDA
Training Program, an individualized training plan of courses will be
determined for you.
HOW DO I EARN THE CDA CREDENTIAL?
LCC does not administer the CDA you must apply for it from the CDA
National Council. After receiving training, candidates provide evidence
to the CDA Council of their competence as skilled caregivers. This
includes:
1. Professional Resource File
2. Parent Opinion Questionnaires
3. Formal observation by an early childhood professional
4. Oral Interview by a Council Representative
5. Written Assessment The documentation is sent to the Council
along with the $325 assessment fee. The Council weighs this evidence and
determines whether to issue the CDA Credential.
ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIPS TO HELP ME PAY FOR THE CDA CREDENTIAL?
Scholarship money is available to help pay for the $325
credentialing fee. Scholarships are also available for training. Hours
completed at a community college. Contact the Michigan 4C Association,
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood? MICHIGAN program at 1-866-648-3224
(1-866-MI-TEACH) for more information.
HOW DO I BECOME A CDA CANDIDATE?
To become a CDA candidate contact the Council for Early Childhood
Professional Recognition and request a direct assessment application
package. The cost is $17.75.
Contact the Council at: 1-800-424-4310.
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