Your Path to a CDA Certification in Florida: What You Need to Know to Get Started - post

We are sharing the specific eligibility criteria and requirements necessary to apply for the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification in Florida. The CDA certification is a vital credential for #early-childhood education professionals, and understanding the prerequisites is essential for prospective applicants. To qualify for the CDA certification, candidates must meet several educational and experiential requirements, prepare a professional portfolio, and undergo a verification site visit. Below are the key requirements to obtain the CDA certification:

• Educational Background:

  • Candidates must possess at least a high school diploma or GED. Alternatively, they may be juniors or seniors enrolled in a high school #career and technical program.

• Formal Training:

  • A total of 120 hours of formal early childhood technical education is required. This training can be fulfilled through CDA-approved courses that cover essential topics in child #development and education.

• Professional Portfolio:

  • Applicants must compile a CDA professional portfolio that highlights their competencies and experiences in #early-childhood-education. This portfolio is a crucial element of the application process, demonstrating the candidate's readiness for the certification.

• Verification Site Visit:

  • A verification site visit is mandatory, during which a Professional Development (PD) Specialist will observe the candidate in action, working with children. This visit evaluates the practical application of the skills learned throughout the training.

• Work Experience:

  • Within three years of submitting the application, candidates must accumulate a minimum of 480 hours (approximately three months) of professional work experience in a center-based program. This experience should include work with children across all three age groups: infants, #toddlers, and #preschoolers.

• Background Check:

  • A criminal background check is typically required to ensure the #safety and well-being of the children in care.

CDA Certification in Florida

In this section, we will discuss the CDA certification process in Florida, which provides a structured pathway for aspiring #educators in early childhood education. This comprehensive process encompasses specific eligibility requirements, a variety of training options, a detailed application procedure, and emphasizes the importance of the CDA credential in the field. Understanding these components is essential for anyone looking to embark on a rewarding career dedicated to shaping young minds.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the CDA certification in Florida, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: Hold a high school diploma or GED.
• Experience: Accumulate a minimum of 480 hours of professional experience working with children in a relevant setting within the last three years.
• Training: Complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training covering key subject areas.

Training Options

Candidates have various options for fulfilling the training requirement, including:

• Online Programs: Institutions like ChildCareEd offer flexible online training that covers essential topics such as:
  • Child development
  • Health and safety
  • Effective teaching strategies
• In-Person Classes: Local community colleges and early childhood education organizations may also provide training sessions.

Application Process

The application process for obtaining the CDA credential involves several steps:

• Complete Required Training: Ensure you have completed the necessary 120 hours of training.
• Compile a Professional Portfolio: This portfolio should include:
  • Reflective statements of competence
  • A professional philosophy statement
  • Family questionnaires
  • Documentation of experiences with children
• Submit Application: Apply through the Council for Professional Recognition's online system, paying the application fee (approximately $425 for online submissions).
• Verification Visit: After application approval, a Professional Development Specialist will conduct a verification visit to assess your competencies in a real-world setting.

CDA Exam

Candidates must pass a CDA exam that consists of multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge of early childhood education practices. The exam is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers, and scheduling can be done online or via phone.

Credential Renewal

The CDA credential is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must:

• Complete additional training and demonstrate ongoing professional development.
• Obtain 4.5 CEUs or equivalent training hours.
• Maintain active involvement in early childhood education.

Resources for CDA Certification in Florida

• ChildCareEd: Offers comprehensive online training programs tailored for CDA certification, including resources for portfolio development and access to a supportive community of educators.
• Local Early Childhood Education Organizations: Many local organizations provide workshops, networking opportunities, and additional resources to help candidates prepare for their CDA certification.

CDA Application Process

Steps to Complete the CDA Application Process

• Prepare for Eligibility Requirements

  • Education: Before applying, candidates must:
    • Earn a high school diploma or GED, or be enrolled as a junior or senior in a high school career and technical program in early childhood education.
    • Complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training, covering the #growth-and-development of children ages 3 to 5 years, with at least 10 training hours in each of the eight CDA subject areas.
  • Experience: Within three years prior to application, candidates must obtain:
    • 480 hours of professional work experience in a center-based setting with children ages 3 to 5 years.

• Documentation Preparation

  • Within six months of submitting the application, candidates must prepare a CDA professional portfolio. This portfolio should include reference materials related to work with children and families, following the detailed preparation instructions found in the CDA Competency Standards book.
  • Candidates must select a CDA Professional Development (PD) Specialist to conduct a CDA Verification Visit, which is part of the final assessment. The PD Specialist will review the portfolio, observe the candidate working with children, and submit score recommendations to the Council.

• Complete Your Application

  • After fulfilling all requirements, candidates can apply online through YourCouncil and pay the online assessment fee of $425, or submit a paper application from the CDA Competency Standards book with a $500 assessment fee.
  • It is important to note that the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, so candidates should ensure they have the necessary funds before submission.

• Ready to Schedule

  • Once the CDA application is approved, candidates will receive a "Ready to Schedule" notice. This allows them to schedule their CDA Verification Visit and CDA Exam, with details provided in the CDA Competency Standards book.

• Earning Your CDA

  • After completing the CDA Verification Visit and CDA Exam, the results will be electronically submitted to the Council by the PD Specialist.
  • The Council will review the assessment results and make a credentialing decision. If awarded, the official Child Development Associate credential will be mailed to the candidate. If denied, the Council will provide recommendations for improvement and outline the next steps to earn the CDA credential.

References

• https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/educator-pathways/preschool/
• https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/educator-pathways/infant-toddler/
• https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/educator-pathways/family-care/
• https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/educator-pathways/ #home-visitor/
• https://www.childcareed.com/a/cda-certification-in-florida-your-step-by-step-guide-to-getting-certified.html
• https://www.childsavers.org/cda-complete-guide/