Center-based Care Providers

In order to get a position in a quality Center, to expect advancement, and to demand proper compensation, you may either be looking toward a CDA Credential or actively pursuing one.

In light of current research regarding the vital importance of ensuring quality care for young children, new legislation continues to impact the early childhood profession. To stay within state and federal guidelines, an increasing number of preschools and daycare centers are requiring even entry-level teachers and caregivers to have a CDA Credential. However, a rather large percentage are uninformed, not only about what is expected of themselves, but also of their classroom environments, in order to meet Council criteria.

As you learn more about developmentally appropriate practice, you may realize that what you are doing... or more often... that the center in which you work, is not going to meet Council standards. Or, you may have purchased your CDA Application packet from the Council and found it to be somewhat generalized and confusing and have no one to help you navigate the process. These situations can be very frustrating and sadly, many candidates drop out of the process or even leave the early childhood profession altogether. Neither one of these outcomes are acceptable and ultimately impact the futures of young children. It was for this reason I have devoted the past 10 years to helping CDA candidates.

I have helped countless candidates through the CDA process, both in the classroom and through this website. Until recently, I provided self-published booklets with specialized help for center-based infant/toddler or preschool care providers. Over the years, the demand for help has increased substantially and I was unable to keep up with the requests for assistance. I realized there needed to be a preparation manual for CDA candidates. Fortunately, Redleaf Press shared my vision and The CDA Prep Guide, the only one of its kind, is a reality! It is currently available for pre-order and will be published in May, 2008. For more information about pre-ordering this wonderful resource, go to the CDA Prep Guide page of this website.