Child Development Associate Certification: Proof of Professionalism

For those working as child care providers, Child Development Associate certification from the Council for Professional Recognition is frequently required. Even in places where this certification is not legally required, it can be beneficial. After all, this certification reassures parents and employers that the certified childcare provider is a committed professional. CDA requirements differ slightly based on the type of credential an applicant desires, but the basic requirements of CDA certification are the same for all applicants.

Eligibility for CDA Certification and Application Prerequisites

In order to be eligible for any type of CDA certification, an applicant must hold a high school diploma or GED or have junior or senior status in a vocational program in early education. The applicant must also be able to read and write fluently. In addition, applicants must have:

- Completed 120 hours of formal training in early childhood education within the past five years.

- Compiled a professional resource file according to CDA application guidelines.

- Distributed and collected parent opinion questionnaires to obtain parental feedback on the applicant's work.

- Been observed working as a lead teacher or childcare provider by a designated CDA advisor.

Once these prerequisites have been met, the applicant can submit a formal application to the Council for Professional Recognition.

CDA Application Process

After completing all prerequisites, the candidate fills out and mails the application to the Council for Professional Recognition or applies online through the council's website. The application consists of a questionnaire and a required application fee. In some states, scholarships are available to help defray CDA credentialing costs. Any interested applicant should contact his or her state's child care board for more information and requirements.

CDA Direct Assessment

Within 90 days of submitting an application, a qualified candidate will need to undergo a verification visit conducted by a CDA council member. During this visit the council member will collect required documents and statements and interview the applicant to assess his or her knowledge and competence. The council representative will also administer a multiple choice examination. In some cases, eligible applicants may be able to complete the verification process online rather than through an actual visit. Those interested in online verification should check their eligibility with a CDA representative before submitting an application.

CDA Credentialing

After verification, the CDA council will make a ruling as to whether or not the candidate should receive Child Development Associate certification. Obtaining this CDA certification allows providers to apply for a wider array of jobs and helps to assure parents and potential employers that the credentialed child care provider is worthy of trust.

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