Earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
has never been easier!
A CDA -- a Child Development Associate credential -- is a nationally recognized designation awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C. The Child Development Essentials (CDA) Program prepares students for work in the early childhood care and education field. Courses are offered fully online. Participants must be working with young children regularly either in a paid or volunteer position to fulfill their coursework requirements.
Step 1: Register for and complete the two year early childhood education training. Courses in GED Test preparation and the growth and development of children aged 3 to 5 years.
Step 2: Obtain supplies and order the required textbooks online at http://store.cdacouncil.org/:
Step 3: Field Experience: Classroom observations and student teaching practicum are required 4-hours-per week. Your employer will be required to provide feedback and assistance as you work toward preparing for the CDA Assessment. Students enrolled in this course must be eligible for field experiences as determined by the BFTS and Georgia Department of Human Resources, Child Protective Services. State laws require a satisfactory criminal background check.
Step 4: Apply for Direct Assessment by the CDA Council: Mail a completed application to the Council for Professional Recognition with the (1) $325 assessment fee, (2) training verification, and (3) original trainer signature. The Council accepts Direct Assessment Applications on a rolling basis. Georgia provides financial assistance for individuals to obtain a CDA Credential through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Program.
Step 5: CDA Council Representative Visit: The Council Representative will contact you to arrange a date and place for the visit within 90 days. At the conclusion of the Verification Visit, the Council Representative will return the Professional Resource File to you and submit the remaining materials to the Council.
Step 6: Receive Your Credentialing Decision: A Council Committee will review your documentation and render a decision whether to award you the Credential. If the Credential is awarded, the official Child Development Associate Credential will be sent to you. You will be eligible to participate in the BFTS/Smart Start GA INCENTIVES Program.
Step 7: Renew Your CDA: A CDA Credential is valid for three years from the award date, after which it may be renewed for five-year periods.
Agape International Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability in the provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits.
