If you're a Maryland child care provider who has completed the 45-hour Growth and Development and 45-hour Curriculum training and holds a 90-hour certification, you might be wondering if you can obtain the highly sought-after Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. The good news is, you absolutely can! This article will delve into the purpose and details of the 30-hour Bridge Bundles at ChildCareEd, which is a specialized training program designed to help individuals like you use their existing training towards obtaining the CDA Credential.
Unlocking the CDA Credential
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is the gold standard in #early-childhood-education (ECE). It is a widely recognized and respected qualification that signifies a commitment to providing high-quality care and education to young children. Whether you're an experienced child care provider or just starting your journey in the field, obtaining the CDA Credential can open doors to career advancement and increased earning potential.
Prerequisites for CDA
To qualify for the CDA Credential, candidates typically need to complete 120 hours of training. This requirement can be met by completing specific training programs that align with CDA standards. For Maryland child care providers who have already completed the 90-hour Certification, the path to obtaining the CDA becomes much more accessible.
The 30-Hour Bridge Bundle: Your Key to CDA
The 30-hour Bridge Bundle is a specialized training program tailored for Maryland child care providers who have already achieved a 90-hour certification by completing the 45-hour Growth and Development training and 45-hour Curriculum training. This bundle serves as the bridge between your existing qualifications and the CDA Credential, providing the additional 30 hours of training required to meet the 120-hour prerequisite.
Here's a closer look at what the 30-hour Bridge Bundles offer:
1. Target Audience
This program is specifically designed for Maryland child care providers who have completed the 45-hour Growth and Development training and the 45-hour Preschool Curriculum or Infant/Toddler Curriculum training. These individuals have already invested significant time and effort into their professional development, and the 30-hour Bridge Bundle is the next step to unlock the CDA Credential.
ChildCareEd offers three options for the 30-hour Bridge Bundle.
2. Purpose
The primary purpose of the 30-hour Bridge Bundle is to bridge the gap between your current qualifications and the CDA Credential. It provides the additional 30 hours of training needed to reach the 120-hour requirement for CDA eligibility.
For those providers who have completed the 45-hour Growth and Development and 45-hour Preschool Curriculum training, the CDA Bridge Bundle: Preschool is used to complement your 90-hour training and fulfill training requirements for the CDA Preschool Credential.
For those providers who have completed the 45-hour Growth and Development and 45-hour Infant/Toddler Curriculum training, the CDA Bridge Bundle: Infant/Toddler is used to complement your 90-hour training and fulfill training requirements for the CDA Infant/Toddler Credential.
For those providers who have completed the 45-hour Growth and Development and 45-hour Infant/Toddler or Preschool Curriculum training, the CDA Bridge Bundle: Family Child Care is used to complement your 90-hour training and fulfill training requirements for the CDA Family Child Care Credential.
3. CDA Credential: A Valuable Asset
Obtaining the CDA Credential is not just about adding another certification to your resume; it's about signaling your commitment to excellence in #early-childhood education. It is recognized across the industry and is often a prerequisite for career advancement opportunities.
4. Course Content
The training covered in the 30-hour Bridge Bundle is comprehensive and aligns with the CDA standards. It includes:
- Understanding Developmental Milestones:
- Participants will gain a deep understanding of the #developmental-milestones of young children, which is crucial for tailoring educational experiences to individual needs.
- Effective Learning Experiences:
- The program equips learners with the knowledge and skills to design and implement effective learning experiences that encompass social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
- Inclusivity:
- Child care providers will also learn how to accommodate children with special needs, ensuring that every child receives the support and care they require.
- Professional Attitude:
- Nurturing a professional attitude and approach in the childcare setting is emphasized, helping providers maintain a high standard of care and conduct.
5. Online Format
The 30-hour Bridge Bundle is offered in an online format. This means you have the flexibility to access training materials and complete the program at your own pace, within a specified timeframe. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for busy professionals looking to balance their work and educational commitments.
6. Interactive Instructor Support
Learners in this program receive valuable support and guidance from instructors throughout the course. This ensures that participants can effectively grasp and apply the concepts presented, making the learning experience more engaging and interactive.
7. Portfolio Review
A critical component of the CDA Credentialing process is the portfolio review. The 30-hour Bridge Bundle includes support and guidance on preparing your portfolio. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for showcasing your competence and experience in working with young children.
8. Resources and Handouts
Participants have access to a wealth of resources and handouts, with over 100 supplemental materials available. These resources further enhance the training content, helping learners better understand and apply what they've learned in real-world childcare settings.
9. Career Advancement
Completing the CDA Credential through the 30-hour Bridge Bundle opens up new career opportunities and can significantly increase your earning potential in the early childhood education field. It signifies a dedication to excellence in providing care and education to young children, a commitment that many employers highly value.
In conclusion, the 30-hour Bridge Bundle is a specialized training program designed to help Maryland child care providers bridge the gap between their existing qualifications and the prestigious CDA Credential. By leveraging the 45-hour Growth and Development training they've already completed, along with the 45-hour Curriculum training and the 30-hour Bridge Bundle, professionals can meet the 120-hour requirement for CDA eligibility. This unlocks a world of opportunities for career advancement and showcases their dedication to providing top-tier care and education to young children.