Credential Preparation Programs Leading to Quality Improvements
Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
The Child Development Associate Credential is a nationally accepted credential for those working with young children. It is a stepping stone to your professional development in early care and education. Child Care Providers who achieve their CDA Credential will have knowledge to put the CDA Competency Standards to practice, an understanding of why those standard help children to achieve success from the early years of development forward.
You can find out more about the Child Development Associate (CDA) by visiting the Council for Professional Recognition website.
Center based and family child care providers with some education and experience go through extensive training, preparation of a portfolio, observations and technical assistance when following the CDA path.
Applicants must:
1. be 18 or over
2. hold a high school diploma or GED
3. have 480 hours of experience working with children within the past five years
4. have 120 clock hours of formal child care education in specific content areas, under the auspices of an agency or organization with expertise in early childhood teacher preparation
CDA applicants are then assessed (evaluated) by the Council for Professional Recognition, which is headquartered in Washington, D.C..
Where can I access CDA training?
- CDA Course Work is offered by our agency
- Course will cover the full 120 hours of training in all eight subject areas as required by CDA guidelines.
- CDA Coursework offered by Child & Family Resources is open only to those pursuing a CDA credential.
- Payment for books is required from all participants at time of registration.
- Total fees for CDA Coursework: $2000 (40 Weeks of Training)
- You may be eligible for an EIP Scholarship to cover CDA training costs! Apply ASAP before funds are depleted!
What’s my next step ?
- Please contact Heather Fiero or Julie Champion at 315-536-1134 for registration procedures
- All applicants must request an "Application Packet" for CDA in the type of care in which they are seeking the CDA.
- Books are required before class begins. (Contact Heather to order books.)
- If applying for EIP dollars, submit completed application as soon as possible (at least 4-6 weeks prior to training start date). On-line submission is recommended. Online EIP Applications
- An approved EIP voucher must be submitted to Heather Fiero before class start date
- If voucher has not been received participants will be required to pay out of pocket at each class. (class fee $50.00 per session)
New York State School Age Credential
The New York State School Age Credential has been developed to promote quality services to children and families by providing specific standards and trainings. Evaluation of staff and providers helps to ensure the standards are met. This is an opportunity for adults working with school age children to achieve professional recognition for demonstrating core competencies on their on-the-job-skills. You can find out more about the School Age Credential by visiting the After School Works NY website.
Continuing Education Units for CDA (CEU) Renewal
CEU's may also be earned by taking college courses at local colleges offering early childhood courses.
Find out more about CDA Renewal at the Council for Professional Recognition website.
Child and Family Resources offers CEU's for the CDA classes, starting in 2013 we will be offering a CDA Renewal program, watch for the schedule and details in our Professional Development Catalog.
Please contact the Professional Development team at 315-536-1134 with any questions you may have regarding any of the above listed preparation programs.