To be eligible for obtaining a CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential, candidates must meet specific requirements set forth by the Council for Professional Recognition. These requirements include:
Education: Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED).
Experience: Candidates must have accumulated 480 hours working with children in the age group corresponding to their chosen CDA setting.
- Duration of Experience: The work experience must have been completed within the past three years preceding the application for the CDA Credential. This timeframe ensures that candidates have recent and relevant experience working with young children.
- Types of Experience: This could include direct interactions with children, planning and implementing age-appropriate activities, observing and assessing children's #development, and collaborating with families and colleagues.
- Supervision and Documentation: Candidates will need to document their work experience by providing verification from a supervisor or employer. This documentation typically includes information about the candidate's role, responsibilities, and the number of hours worked.
- Related Experience: In some cases, candidates may be able to count certain types of related experience toward the work experience requirement. This could include experience working with children in other settings, such as schools, community centers, or social service agencies, as long as the experience is relevant to the CDA setting and demonstrates competency in working with young children.
Training: Candidates must complete 120 clock hours of professional education in #early-childhood-education. This training covers topics such as child development, #health-and #safety, curriculum planning, and working with families.
Observation and Assessment: Candidates must complete a verification visit, which involves being observed working with children by a CDA Professional Development Specialist. This visit is used to evaluate the candidate's competence in areas such as creating a safe and #healthy learning environment, fostering children's physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development, and building positive relationships with children and families. Additionally, candidates must complete a CDA Exam created by the CDA Council and administered at a Pearson Vue location.
Professional Portfolio: Candidates must compile a professional portfolio that includes documentation of their education, experience, and competency in meeting the CDA credential requirements. This portfolio serves as evidence of the candidate's qualifications and is submitted as part of the assessment process. ChildCareEd's Creating the CDA Portfolio Handbook is your step-by-step guide to creating your Professional Portfolio including examples and templates.