Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
And EC Consultants, Inc.
CDA Preparation Training

The Child Development Associate Credential is a national credential through the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, DC. It is considered “on the job training”. Candidates for the CDA credential are assessed based upon the CDA Competency Standards. These national standards are the criteria used to evaluate the participant’s performance with children and families. In addition, CDA is an important beginning step on the early childhood career ladder assisting in professionalizing the field of early childhood education. Most organizations that offer accreditation programs require at least a CDA for its teaching positions.

Teachers who are eligible for the program must meet the following criteria:

• Must be 18 years old.


• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Be able to speak, read and write well enough to fulfill the responsibilities of the candidate.
• Participates are required to have 120 clock hours of coursework.
• Prior to or during coursework, one must have 480 hours of experience working with children.

The Competency standards are divided into six Competency Goals, which are statements of a general purpose or goal for teacher behavior. The six goals are met by addressing 13 Functional areas, which a teacher must complete to carry out to fulfill the Competency Goals.

Classes will be held in childcare centers in various geographic parts of the city. The number of classes offered will depend upon the number of participants enrolled. Class times are optional, offerings will be during naptime, 5:00p-7:00p or 7:00p-9:00p.

The material for the coursework includes but is not limited to Helping and Nurturing Developmental Stages (Hands) modules developed by the Department of Social Services. Participants in this program will also be enrolled through the instructor with the Department of Social Services. He/She will receive certificates from DSS on completion of each module. In addition, participants are asked to submit the certificates to their center director to document required training. The proposed outline and description of content is listed below:

• The center will host an information meeting on the CDA credential for their staff if needed.
• A center with participating staff will host an on site CDA class on a rotating basis if space permits.
• The center will provide an appropriate space for 10-15 people.
• The participant will arrive on time with proper materials such as pens, paper, pencils, highlighters and a 2 and 3 inch notebook.

• The center will provide an appropriate space for 10-15 people for monthly sessions.
• The participant will read, study and complete ALL exercises in each module in order to receive credit for the module. (Exercises will be checked and returned.)
• The participant will set aside at least eight (8) hours per month to complete material.
• The participant will have email or access to email in order to communicate with instructor and other participants.
• The instructor will meet with participants on a monthly basis. The instructor will also be accessible to students via email or telephone should questions arise prior to class time.