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. Students who successfully complete training/education, work requirements and the final assessment process will earn a CDA Credential, which is recognized nationally in the field of early childhood development. Credentials may be earned in the areas of infant/toddler, preschool, family child care, and home visitor, with a bilingual specialization also available.

Candidates must have a valid high school diploma, a GED or be enrolled as a junior or senior in a high school career/technical program in early childhood education in order to apply to the Council. Candidates must also have 480 hours of experience working with children, within three years of application.

CDA Training is offered in a series of three online classes, presented in Blackboard. College course work covers the six CDA Competency Goals and 13 Functional Areas specified by the Council. Students will develop individual professional portfolios to document their competence in each of the areas and to meet the requirements of the CDA Council. Upon completion of the three courses, students will be prepared for the final assessment  process.

The three CDA courses may be used as electives for the Associate of Applied Science degree and certificates in Child Development. Students in CDA Training must be in compliance with TSI requirements for reading and writing and must have advisory approval to enroll.

Program advisor is Stephanie Deering, assistant professor of child development.

CDA Training Certificate