Child Development Associate TrainingThe Women’s Center

What is the Child Development Associate Certification?● nationally recognized certification in

early childhood education● 120 hours of training is provided● serves as entry level teacher’s aide

training● can be required by state for

owner/directors● equivalent at Thomas Edison University

= 9 credits

How do I get a CDA?

Step 1: Anytime before application to the CDA Council● minimum of high school diploma or

GED● 120 hours of training in 13

functional areas

How do I get a CDA?

Step 2: Within 3 years before application to the CDA Council● 480 hours of experience working

with young children

How do I get a CDA?

Step 3: Within 6 months before application to the CDA Council● Professional Portfolio completed by

candidate● Family Questionnaires gathered by

candidate

How do I get a CDA?

Step 4: Application● Candidate applies to the Council

and pays the fee of $425● Candidate receives approval that

the application is complete and the fee is processed

How do I get a CDA?

Step 5: Within 6 months of Council approval of completed application● Verification Visit conducted by CDA Professional Development

Specialist (chosen by the Candidate from approved list) Review of Professional Portfolio, Family Questionnaires,

transcripts/training certifications Observation of Candidate working with young children Reflective Dialogue

● Candidate takes CDA Exam at local Pearson/VUE testing center (Atlantic City)

How do I get a CDA?

Step 6: After Verification Visit and CDA Exam● Professional Development Specialist sends Verification Visit

scores to the Council online● PearsonVue sends exam scores to the Council online

● Council awards or denies Credential

How does CDA work here at The Women’s Center?● hybrid model -- 60 hours in class/60

hours online● Edmodo● Professional Portfolio completed as

part of the course● Saturdays, 8 am to 12 pm● Course runs from Oct, 2014 to Mar,

2015

What is the cost of CDA?● Tuition $600 -- Paid to The Women’s

Center (at registration)● Materials $60 -- Purchased from The

CDA Council, based on your setting (before training begins)

● Application Fee $425 -- Paid to The CDA Council (after training)

TOTAL: $1085

Are There Other Options to Get a CDA?Atlantic Cape Community College Information: http://www.atlantic.edu/program/degrees/professional/childDevPro.htm

● $113 per credit, plus fees ● Infant/Toddler -- 9 credits ($1,017)● Preschool -- 12 credits ($1,356)● amounts don’t include books, materials or

application fee● offered typically over 3 semesters (fall, spring,

fall = 1 year)

Are there scholarships available?● CDA Assessment Fee Scholarship● http://www.pinj.org/index.php?cat=assist● Must be: employed as a registered family child provider, head

teacher, group teacher, assistant teacher, or afterschool provider working with children up to age eight in the field of early care and education.

● No volunteers

● Home to Work Program for Displaced Homemakers

● Talk to Sharon Holtzman to see if you qualify -- 609-601-9925, ext. 202

I’m interested in CDA, what’s the next step?Step 1 -- Register for the class and pay your tuition Full Tuition Payment http://goo.gl/FifBw1Half Tuition Payment http://goo.gl/lYPrb5Step 2 -- order your CDA Competency Standards Book at http://store.cdacouncil.org/cdaapplicationpackets.aspxWhat will your setting be? Infant/Toddler? Preschool? FDC?Step 3 -- Prepare to come to class…..get childcare in place, transportation, technology support, pens, notebooks

Where can I find out more information about CDA?● CDACOUNCIL.ORG● Professional Impact New Jersey -- www.pinj.org● Occupational Outlook Handbk on Childcare

Workers -- http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm

● Occupational Outlook Handbk on Preschool Teachers --http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm

Thank You.

Additional questions?

Contact Info:Erin O’Hanlon,

erin.ohanlon@acwc.org