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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT * 3 HOURS * LEVEL 2

Mindful Leadership

Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)

Page 14
The CDA is a National credential awarded to early childhood professionals who have shown they have met the beginning level CDA competencies needed for working with young children. It is a significant accomplishment and an option for starting a successful career in early childhood education.

A Child Development Associate (CDA) is a Credential awarded by the Council of Professional Recognition in Washington D.C.  The process to obtain a National CDA Credential is the same regardless of where, or how, you complete the required 120 hours of CDA Training.
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The CDA Credential is acknowledged and accepted Nationwide and serves as proof that the person holding the CDA is an educated, qualified, childcare professional.
"What can I do with a CDA Credential?"
The CDA Credential meets the educational requirements to be a teacher in a Head Start program in all states.  

In Washington, the CDA Credential meets the educational requirements to be a director of a child care center.  Many child care programs require lead teachers to have a CDA Credential.  

CDA Credentialing: A Self-Paced and Candidate Driven

Professional Development Process ** Overview **
​1. Complete 120 hours of CDA training
2. Document 480 hours of work experience
3. Prepare a CDA Professional Portfolio
4. Collect Family Questionnaires
​1. Submit the CDA application to the CDA Council
  • CDA Application can be submitted anytime of the year
  • Pay the $425 CDA Assessment Fee to the CDA Council
  • CDA Application will be reviewed by the CDA Council
2. Select a CDA Professional Development Specialist
3. A Ready to Schedule Notice will be sent to you with a 6-month deadline to complete the CDA assessment process.
​1. Verification Visit with a CDA Professional Development Specialist
  • PD Specialist will review the following: training CDA certificates and transcripts, CDA Professional Portfolio, proof of work experience, and Family Questionnaires
  • PD Specialist will observe you in the classroom
  • Reflective dialogue between you and PD Specialist
2. Complete the CDA Exam at a PearsonVue test center
3. Items above must be complete before the six-month deadline
  • CDA Exam scores electronically submitted to the CDA Council by PD Specialist and PearsonVue
  • CDA Credentialing decision is made by the CDA Council