How To Obtain A CDA Credential
The CDA cohort program begins in January, but spaces are filling up fast! More cohort groups can be added based on demand. For more information on the Eager-to-Learn CDA cohort program contact Cory Woosley at coryw@mnchildcare.org or 651.746.4024
On this page you will find:
What Is A CDA
A CDA (Child Development Associate) is a national credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition and received after completing the CDA assessment. Using the Direct Assessment method, a choice of three specializations can be earned. (Preschool, Infant/Toddler, Family Child Care.) To earn a CDA, 120 hours of child care training is required in eight content areas (a minimum of 10 hours needs to be completed in each content area). All Eager-to-Learn classes are identified by the CDA content area and qualify towards the 120 hour requirement. To learn more about the CDA process, call the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition at 1.800.424.4310 or visit their website: www.cdacouncil.org
Benefits Of A CDA:
- Possess the knowledge and skills needed to meet the specific needs of children in order to nurture children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework.
- Accomplishment and recognition for obtaining a respected, national credential
- Opportunities for advanced education and/or career advancement
- Eligibility to participate in the REETAIN program and earn an additional annual grant of $1000. (if awarded)
Eligibility For CDA Assessment:
- Have a high school graduate or have a GED,
- Be 18 years or older
- Have 480 hours of experience working with children within the past 5 years
What Is A CDA | Benefits Of A CDA | Elgibility Requirements | Steps To Earn A CDA Credential |
Stages of Assessment | Financial Aid Available!| | Get College Credit For Your CDA
Steps To Earn A CDA Credential
- Complete 120 hours of child care training in 8 content areas (a minimum of 10 hours needs to be completed in each content area).
The CDA Content areas are:
- Safe, Healthy Learning Environment
- Physical & Intellectual Development
- Social & Emotional Development
- Productive Relationships with Families
- Effective Program Operation
- Maintaining Professionalism
- Observing & Recording Behavior
- Principles of Child Growth & Development
- Secure an Advisor (eligibility requirements are listed in the last few pages of the competency book in your CDA packet. The advisor will observe you, completing the Observation Instrument included in your CDA packet. The observation must be for a minimum of three hours and the Advisor visit(s) need to be completed within six months of applying for assessment. Your advisor will complete the CDA Assessment Observation Instrument (found in CDA packet) must sign the Advisor section of the Direct Assessment Application and leave it with you to turn in to the CDA National Representative at your CDA Assessment visit. Once completed, the Observation is returned to you in a sealed envelope and kept until the Assessment visit. To locate a CDA Advisor in your area contact: Advisor Registry: Council for Professional Recognition at 1-800-424-4310 or 202-265-9090
- When 120 hours of Formal Training, Advisor Visit and Professional Resource File are complete, distribute parent questionnaires to the parents of the children in your care. The parent questionnaires must bereturned to you and kept in a sealed envelope until the Assessment visit.
- Apply for assessment by - March 1, June 1, September 1 or December 1 of any year. The Direct Assessment Application Form is in CDA packet. Your advisor and director (if center employee) are required to sign the application. If you are a family childcare provider, you need to complete that part of the application.
- When submitting for the CDA Assessment, send to the Council for Professional Recognition:
- Completed Direct Assessment Application Form
- Verification of completed Formal Education
- CDA Assessment fee of $325.00. (See financial aid available)
Stages of Assessment
There are six stages in the CDA Assessment system:
- Inquiry;
- Collection of Documentation by the Candidate;
- Application;
- Verification Visit by the Council Representative;
- Credential Award;
- Credential Renewal
CDA Credential is valid for three years from the date of award, after which it may be renewed for five-year periods. CDAs may renew their Credential only for the original setting, age-level endorsement, and specialization. Eager to Learn offers their courses for 1.6 CEU’s by taking three Eager to Learn courses, you will be able to renew your CDA.
The CDA Representative will also review your Professional Resource File. They will send all materials to the Council for Professional Recognition. The Council will review the information and decide whether to issue the CDA credential. (This process can take from 30-90 days.)
Financial Aid Available:
- T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Minnesota® will pay 85% percent of the candidates assessment fee, plus a $200 bonus.
Click here to learn more about T.E.A.C.H.'s CDA scholarships.
What Is A CDA | Benefits Of A CDA | Elgibility Requirements | Steps To Earn A CDA Credential | Stages of Assessment | Financial Aid Available! | Get College Credit For Your CDA|
Get College Credit For Your CDA:
A number of technical and community colleges, as well as Metro State University, are awarding between 6 and 9 credits for the CDA credential (some additional assignments or classes may be required, depending on the college and the individual CDA portfolio). For more information, contact your local college' child development program.
Visit the website below to find a college near you: www.mnscu.edu/System/VisitACampus.html
Click here for more information on getting credit for your CDA at Minnesota Colleges
