CDA Preschool Credential
Work with children ages 3 to 5 years old.
This setting provides a structured environment for young children to learn and grow in a safe and nurturing atmosphere. The program typically follows a planned curriculum that is designed to help children develop the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills needed for success in kindergarten and beyond.
The early educators in this setting are responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities that support the individual needs of each child. They use a variety of teaching methods and strategies to engage children in meaningful learning experiences that promote curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
The candidate in this setting will be observed interacting with the children in a variety of ways, such as leading group activities, assisting with individual tasks, and providing positive feedback and encouragement. They will also be expected to model appropriate behavior and language, maintain a positive and inclusive classroom environment, and communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
Overall, the Preschool center-based setting provides a rich learning environment for young children and an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their skills and knowledge as they prepare for a career in early childhood education.
Why take the CDA training with ChildCareEd?
Unique benefits of taking the CDA with ChildCareEd.
- Opportunities to chat with one of our CDA Professional Development (PD) Specialist
- Included in the training is a video walking you through each step of developing your Professional Portfolio.
- ChildCareEd offers CDA resources to assist in the development of your portfolio.
The CDA Credential is a nationally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual's competence and knowledge in the field of early childhood education. It is a requirement for most entry-level jobs in the field and can also lead to higher pay and career advancement opportunities.
"Maryland's early childhood educators play a critical role in the education and care of our youngest learners," said Karen J. Salmon, Ph.D., State Superintendent of Schools. "We are grateful for this partnership and the opportunity it provides to support their professional development and ultimately improve outcomes for children."
The financial assistance program is available to eligible early childhood educators who work in licensed #child_care centers, family child care homes, and public pre-kindergarten programs throughout Maryland. To be eligible, educators must be working directly with children and have completed at least 120 hours of early childhood education training.
"We believe that all children deserve a strong start in life, and high-quality early childhood education is a key part of that," said Margaret Williams, CEO of Maryland Family Network. "We are excited to be able to support early childhood educators in their pursuit of professional development and to help them build their skills and knowledge so they can provide the best possible care for Maryland's children."
The program is part of Maryland's efforts to improve the quality of #early_childhood_education and to increase access to affordable child care for families. By supporting the professional development of early childhood educators, the state hopes to improve outcomes for young children and set them on a path to success in school and in life.