Offered at the SPC Reese Center

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Training Certificate is designed to prepare individuals for assessment by the National Council for Professional Recognition from Washington, D.C.  At the time of assessment students are required by the National Council to be 1) 18 years of age, 2) hold a high school diploma or equivalent and 3) be able to speak, read and write well enough to fulfill the responsibilities of a CDA Candidate. Cadidates seeking a Preschool credential are assessed working with children 3-5 years of age.  Candidates seeking an Infant/Toddler credential are assessed working with children birth to 36 months of age.  A bilingual credential is also available.  Candidates must also have a total of 480 hours of experience working with children.

College course work covers the 6 CDA Competency Goals and 13 Functional Areas of the National Credentialing Program and is offered in online format.  Students will develop the Professional Resource File to document their competence in early childhood.  These courses may be used as electives on the Child Deveopment certificates and the Associate’s degree.  Permission of the instructor is required to enroll.

Upon successful completion of the following curriculum, students receive an Institutional Training Award and will be prepared for assessment by the National Council.

Program advisor is Johanne Reynolds, coordinator and assistant professor of child development.