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If you're just considering or actually working toward a CDA Credential, you are to be commended! Aside from meeting mandates or enhancing marketability, going through the CDA process will reward you with confidence and new insight into working with young children. It also provides a sense of personal satisfaction in knowing you have the knowledge and tools to do your professional best.
Regardless of your point of origin: Center-based Caregiver, Family Child Care Provider, Center Director, or potential Early Childhood Professional, I can help you sort out the CDA confusion.
You may be in a formal CDA preparatory program or you may be working on your own. Whatever the case, you are certain to appreciate the easy-to-understand answers, suggestions, and support.
Providing Help to CDA Candidates Since 1998...
"When I got my CDA packet from the Council, I was pretty overwhelmed. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help!" Martha H., Indianapolis, IN
"I received my packet from the Council and just left it on the desk for two months. It all just seemed like too much. I didn't know where to start. Then, I found your website and got some direction! Thanks!" Sarah L., Chicago, IL
"My director said I needed a CDA, but she really didn't know that much about it and couldn't offer any help. I'm really glad my co-teacher came across your site!" Marsha P., Beacon Falls, CT
"I'm a home day care provider and I was trying to do this without any help. I was very confused about how my Resource File was supposed to look and how I was supposed to go about writing the Competency Goals. I honestly almost gave up. Your patience, materials, and phone calls helped me hang in there! Thanks again." Janet M., Chase, MI
"I wasn't sure I could do this, but I did! My CDA arrived in the mail today! Thanks so much!" Dianne E., Toledo, OH
What Kind of Help Can I Expect?
Center-based Infant/Toddler Center-based Preschool Family Child Care Center Director
If help and support is to be useful, it needs to address the specific setting and age group the Candidate is working with. There should be suggestions for all steps in the CDA process, so the Candidate can feel confident and prepared going into the Verification Visit.
The CDA Prep Guide, new from Redleaf Press, is the first and only step-by-step manual for the CDA process. Take a moment to visit the CDA Prep Guide page of this website for more information.
Working on your Professional Resource File? Check out the CDA Prep Binder... It'll make your life easier!
What is a CDA?
The CDA (Child Development Credential) is a competency-based, nationally-recognized credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, DC. The Council was originally formed as a separate entity of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), but responsibility was taken over completely by the Council in 1985.
The CDA is an entry-level credential which is required in most states for family child care licensing and to be a lead teacher or a director in center-based programs.
The CDA process requires 120 clock hours of training, a collection of documentation. observation at the workplace by a CDA Advisor, and participation in a Verification Visit with a Council Representative.
Since 1975, well over 200,000 care providers have earned a CDA credential, with more than 15,000 applying each year.
Why Would Candidates Need Help?
A person needs to be working with young children in order to go through the CDA process. This is because he or she will be observed working with young children.
Before embarking on the CDA journey, the Candidate will acquire at least 120 clock hours of training and purchase a CDA Application Packet from the Council. This packet can be requested by calling the Council: 1-800-424-4310 and specifying the setting in which you work.
The packet from the Council includes an application form and a booklet of information about the CDA process.
Many times, this information is vague and confusing to Candidates and doesn't give enough specific information for them to feel confident about putting together the Professional Resource File, writing the Competency Goal Statements, or preparing for the Verification Visit. This is especially troublesome if the Candidate is working on her own or if she is the first to earn a CDA Credential at her workplace.
NEW!
CDA Professional Resource File Binders... pre-loaded and ready to use! See the CDA Prep Binder page of this website to find out about this helpful and time-saving resource!
Please Be Advised...
Don't confuse us with copycats! This is the original website of its kind, providing help since 1998.
Have a Question?
Visit my CDA Help BLOG and ask!
Or, Email me at easycda@easycda.com
