Obtaining a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential can offer several benefits to child care providers working in Connecticut. Look below to see all the benefits the CDA Credential brings and the steps to take in order to earn the Credential.
Benefits of the CDA
- Professional Recognition: The CDA Credential is a nationally recognized credential in the field of #early-childhood-education. It demonstrates that the provider has met certain standards of competency and professionalism.
- Fulfill Head Teacher Requirements: Having a CDA Credential can open up opportunities for #career advancement within the field of #early-childhood education. In fact, obtaining a CDA Credential is one way to qualify as a #Head_Teacher in a child care facility.
- Enhanced Knowledge and Skills: The process of obtaining a CDA Credential involves coursework and practical experience that can enhance the provider's knowledge and skills in areas such as child #development, curriculum planning, and #classroom management.
- Improved Quality of Care: Providers with a CDA Credential are often better equipped to provide high-quality care to young children. They have a deeper understanding of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education.
- Increased Job Opportunities: Many employers in the field of early childhood education prefer or require candidates to have a CDA Credential. Therefore, obtaining the credential can expand the provider's job opportunities within Connecticut and beyond.
Overall, obtaining a CDA Credential can be a valuable investment for child care providers in Connecticut, leading to improved job prospects, enhanced skills, and greater recognition within the field of early childhood education.
Steps to obtain the CDA Credential
Before you apply:
- Purchase a CDA Competency Standards book.
- Complete 120 hours of online training covering the eight CDA Subject Areas with ChildCareEd.
Within 3 years of submitting your application:
- Work 480 hours with children whose ages are specific to the setting for which you are applying for your Credential.
Within 6 months of submitting your application:
- Prepare your CDA Professional Portfolio.
- Cover sheet.
- Transcripts, certificates, and other necessary documentation.
- Family Questionnaires.
- Areas of Strength and areas for Professional Growth.
- Six Reflective Statements of Competence.
- Resource Collection.
- Professional Philosophy Statement.
- Select a Professional Development Specialist and confirm availability.
After the requirements are met:
- Apply online for your CDA Credential using the YourCouncil online application system
Once your CDA application is approved, you will receive your Ready to Schedule notice, and you can schedule your CDA Verification Visit and your CDA Exam.
CDA training with ChildCareEd
Connecticut has no current approval process for training to count for licensing professional development. ChildCareEd courses are accepted by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood towards professional development requirements.
ChildCareEd trainings are offered online and self-paced. Text can be translated into over 40 different #languages.