OBTAINING THE CDA CREDENTIAL
One of the requirements for obtaining the CDA credential is that you show proof of
completing at least 120 hours of accepted training. ECTOD, in collaboration with Bainbridge
College can provide you with that training. To get started, click on CDA curriculum.
If you are not familiar with the process and requirements for obtaining the CDA, here is an
overview.
completing at least 120 hours of accepted training. ECTOD, in collaboration with Bainbridge
College can provide you with that training. To get started, click on CDA curriculum.
If you are not familiar with the process and requirements for obtaining the CDA, here is an
overview.
STEPS TO OBTAIN THE CDA
1. Determine eligibility: Candidates who wish to apply for CDA assessment must meet the
following eligibility requirements:
2. Identify a setting for observation: All Candidates must also be able to identify an
appropriate setting where they can be observed working as the lead caregiver.
3. Training requirement: You can meet the requirement to have 120 clock hours of formal
child care education in a variety of ways, including in-service. Formal education hours can
be credit or noncredit, but the hours must be through an agency or organization with
expertise in early childhood teacher preparation. The agency or organization must provide
verification of completion in the form of a transcript, certificate, or letter. ECTOD and
Bainbridge College meet these requirements. The 120 clock hours of education must be
documented, and you must have at least 10 clock hours in each of the following content
areas:
To see how ECTOD fulfills these training requirements, click on CDA curriculum.
4. Purchase application packet: When you meet all of the eligibility requirements and
identify an eligible setting for observation, you may purchase an application packet for the
type of credential you want to receive. (See below.)
The Application Packets, which cost $18 each, plus shipping and handling, contain all of the
documents you will need to apply for CDA assessment. Each packet is customized for the
selected child care setting and contains two copies of the CDA Competency Standards Book;
instructions and instrument for the observation; scholarship information; parent
questionnaires; and the application form.
You can order the application packet through the Council Bookstore at www.cdacouncil.org,
or you may order the packet by phone at 800-424-4310 (In the 202 area code, call 202-265-
9090.)
5. Complete assessment requirement: When you receive your Application Packet, you
may begin working on the requirements for CDA assessment. The requirements are
completed in these three phases:
To read more about the assessment and credential process, refer to the "CDA Assessment
System" at www.cdacouncil.org.
following eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Have 480 hours of experience working with children within the past five years
- Have 120 clock hours of formal child care education within the past five years
2. Identify a setting for observation: All Candidates must also be able to identify an
appropriate setting where they can be observed working as the lead caregiver.
3. Training requirement: You can meet the requirement to have 120 clock hours of formal
child care education in a variety of ways, including in-service. Formal education hours can
be credit or noncredit, but the hours must be through an agency or organization with
expertise in early childhood teacher preparation. The agency or organization must provide
verification of completion in the form of a transcript, certificate, or letter. ECTOD and
Bainbridge College meet these requirements. The 120 clock hours of education must be
documented, and you must have at least 10 clock hours in each of the following content
areas:
- Planning a safe, healthy, learning environment
- Steps to advance children's physical and intellectual development;
- Positive ways to support children's social and emotional development;
- Strategies to establish productive relationships with families;
- Strategies to manage an effective program operation;
- Maintaining a commitment to professionalism;
- Observing and recording children's behavior; and
- Principles of child development and learning.
To see how ECTOD fulfills these training requirements, click on CDA curriculum.
4. Purchase application packet: When you meet all of the eligibility requirements and
identify an eligible setting for observation, you may purchase an application packet for the
type of credential you want to receive. (See below.)
- Preschool: Candidates working in a center-based setting with children 3-5 years old.
- Infant/Toddler: Candidates working with children from birth to 36 months of age.
- Family Child Care: Candidates working with one or all age groups in a family child
care home. - Home Visitor: Candidates working with the parents of young children.
The Application Packets, which cost $18 each, plus shipping and handling, contain all of the
documents you will need to apply for CDA assessment. Each packet is customized for the
selected child care setting and contains two copies of the CDA Competency Standards Book;
instructions and instrument for the observation; scholarship information; parent
questionnaires; and the application form.
You can order the application packet through the Council Bookstore at www.cdacouncil.org,
or you may order the packet by phone at 800-424-4310 (In the 202 area code, call 202-265-
9090.)
5. Complete assessment requirement: When you receive your Application Packet, you
may begin working on the requirements for CDA assessment. The requirements are
completed in these three phases:
- Preparation of necessary materials: You will document evidence of your competence
from the following three sources:
- Professional Resource File, which you complete
- Parent Opinion Questionnaires, which you will collect
- CDA Assessment Observation Instrument, which will be completed by your
advisor
- Filing application: When the above documents have been completed, you and your
advisor sign the Application Form and send it to the Council, with a payment of $325.
You will include proof of completed required training in the form of a transcript or
copies of training certificates. Submitting these documents begins the CDA
Assessment Process, and the Council will assign a Council Representative to conduct
the Verification Visit.
- Verification of competence and knowledge: During the verification visit, a Council
representative will verify your competence and knowledge using the following methods:
- Early Childhood Studies Review
- Oral Interview
To read more about the assessment and credential process, refer to the "CDA Assessment
System" at www.cdacouncil.org.
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