Keeping Your Florida CDA Current: A Guide to Renewal - post

Congratulations on earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential® in Florida! This achievement marks you as a dedicated #early-childhood-education professional committed to quality care. However, the CDA is not a one-and-done award. It signifies a commitment to ongoing professional growth. To maintain its value and ensure you remain current with best practices, the CDA must be renewed every three years. Navigating the renewal process in Florida involves meeting specific requirements set by the Council for Professional Recognition and often aligning them with Florida's state standards. This guide will help you understand the steps to keep your Florida CDA current and active.

Why Renew?

Renewing your CDA is more than just maintaining a credential; it’s about:

• Staying Current: The field of ECE evolves rapidly. Renewal ensures you are up-to-date on the latest research, techniques, and #safety guidelines.
• Demonstrating Commitment: It signals to employers, #parents, and colleagues that you are serious about your profession and dedicated to continuous improvement.
• Meeting Requirements: Many Florida childcare centers, Head Start programs, and VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) programs require a current CDA for certain positions or quality ratings.
• Personal & Professional Growth: The renewal process encourages self-reflection and participation in valuable professional development.

Understanding the CDA Renewal Requirements

The Council for Professional Recognition sets the core renewal requirements. While you must consult the official CDA Renewal Procedures Guide for the most current details, the general requirements include:

• Work Experience: You must document at least 80 hours of work experience with young children or families of young children within the three years since your last CDA was issued or renewed. This work must be within your original setting (Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care, or Home Visitor).
• Continuing Education/Training: You need to complete at least 4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which equates to 45 clock hours of training, or one three-credit-hour college course. This training must be relevant to ECE and must have been completed after your CDA was issued/last renewed.
  • Florida Specifics: Look for training opportunities approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) or listed in the Florida Early Care and Education Professional Development Registry (often called the Florida ECE Registry or PDR). Many Florida-based trainings align with both state and CDA requirements.
• Membership in an ECE Organization: You must hold current membership in a national or local ECE professional organization (e.g., NAEYC, local AEYC affiliates, NAFCC).
• Completed Letter of Recommendation: You need a recommendation from an ECE Reviewer. This person must meet specific qualifications (found in the Renewal Guide) and must have observed your work with children within the past year.
• Pediatric First Aid & CPR Certification: You must hold a current certification in Infant and Child (Pediatric) First Aid and CPR. Ensure your certification is from an approved provider (like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association) and covers the required components.

Steps for a Smooth Florida CDA Renewal

• Start Early: Don't wait until your credential is about to expire! Begin planning and collecting documentation at least 6-12 months before your expiration date. Mark your expiration date clearly on your calendar.
• Register with Florida's ECE PDR: If you haven't already, create an account on the Florida Early Care and Education Professional Development Registry (https://training01.fldcf.com/florida-pd-registry - link may change, verify with DCF). This is where you can often find approved training, track your hours, and sometimes find resources for ECE Reviewers.
• Track Your Work Hours: Keep pay stubs, letters from employers, or other documentation to prove your 80 hours of work experience.
• Choose Relevant Training: Select training opportunities that not only meet the 45-hour requirement but also genuinely interest you and enhance your skills. Focus on areas identified in your last CDA assessment or areas where you want to grow. Keep all certificates of completion.
• Join an ECE Organization: Research options and join an organization that aligns with your professional goals. Keep your membership card or confirmation.
• Identify an ECE Reviewer: Find a qualified professional (often a director, trainer, or mentor) who can observe you and write your recommendation. Give them plenty of notice and provide them with the necessary forms from the Council.
• Renew First Aid & CPR: Check your certification expiration dates and schedule a refresher course if needed.
• Purchase the Renewal Packet/Apply Online: Obtain the official Renewal Packet from the Council for Professional Recognition or (preferably) use their online application system (YourCDA). The online system often streamlines the process.
• Compile Your Documentation: Gather all your documents neatly. Make copies before sending anything, or ensure you have digital copies if applying online.
• Submit Your Application & Fee: Double-check everything for accuracy and completeness before submitting your application and the renewal fee by the deadline.

After Submission

The Council will review your application. If everything is in order, you will receive your renewed CDA Credential, valid for another three years. If there are any issues, they will contact you.

Keeping your Florida CDA current is an investment in your career and in the children you serve. By planning ahead, staying organized, and actively seeking out valuable professional development opportunities within the Sunshine State, you can ensure a smooth renewal process and continue to be a knowledgeable and effective #early-childhood- #educator.

References:

• Council for Professional Recognition - CDA Renewal: https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/cda-renewal/
• Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) - Child Care Information: https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/child-family/child-care
• Florida Early Care and Education Professional Development Registry: (Search for "Florida ECE Professional Development Registry" - direct links can change).
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): https://www. #naeyc.org