Things to Do Check List

 

Print this document, and use the checklist to track your progress. 

 

These instructions are intended to give you an outline of your CDA work. Print the instructions, and use the CDA Resources and Tutorials to proceed through the tasks.

We recommend doing these tasks in the order that they are listed.

  • Order your CDA Application packet from the CDA Council. There are no additional materials that need to be purchased. All training materials are online.

  • Gather the basic materials for your Professional Resource File

  • Write your Autobiography

 

CDA Competency: Module 1: Safe and Healthy Environment

  • Gather the following resources for your Professional Resource Portfolio:
  • Resource Item 1
  • Resource Item 2
  • Resource Item 3
  • Resource Item 4
    •

 

 

CDA Competency: Module 2: Advancement of Physical and Intellectual Development

 

CDA Competency: Module 3: Principles of Child Growth and Development 
  • Resource Item 5
  • Resource Item 6

 

CDA Competency: Module 4: Enhancement of Social and Emotional Development  

 

CDA Competency: Module 5: Observing and Recording Progress and Behavior of Children  
  • Resource Item 7
  • Resource Item 8
  • Resource Item 9

 

CDA Competency: Module 6: Positive Relationships with Families   

  • Gather the following resources for your Professional Resource Portfolio:
  • Resource Item 10
  • Resource Item 11

 

CDA Competency: Module 7: Effective Program Operation   

  • Gather the following resources for your Professional Resource Portfolio:
  • Resource Item 12

 

CDA Competency: Module 8: Commitment to Professionalism   

  • Gather the following resources for your Professional Resource Portfolio:
  • Resource Item 13
  • Resource Item 14
  • Resource Item 15
  • Resource Item 16
  • Resource Item 17

 

CDA Assessment Process
  • Have at least one three-hour Observation and Assessment done by a qualified person. Some students have access to a qualified person to conduct the Observation and Assessment; others will need to obtain advisor services for this portion of the CDA process.
  • Collect parent questionnaires from the families in your care (instructions and questionnaires are provided in the Direct Assessment Application packet).
  • Mail the completed Direct Assessment Application to the CDA Council along with the application fee. Make sure to mail it with delivery confirmation or tracking. The Council now accepts Direct Assessment Applications on a rolling basis. Your Verification Visit will occur within 90 days from the date the Council receives your complete and correct application.

  • A representative from the CDA Council will contact you to schedule a verification visit. During the Verification Visit the Council Representative will:

  • Check the content of your Professional Resource File

  • Collect copies of your Statements of Competence

  • Collect a copy of your Autobiographical Statement

  • Collect Parent Opinion Questionnaires and the Observation Instrument

  • Administer the Early Childhood Studies Review - a two-hour, multiple-choice examination

  • Conduct the Oral Interview to evaluate your knowledge of early childhood care and education practices

  • 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. If the committee decides you need more training, the Council will let you know what next steps to take to earn the Credential.

A CDA Credential is valid for three years from the award date, after which it may be renewed for five-year periods. For details about the renewal process, see the CDA Renewal.

     Not yet enrolled? Click Here to Enroll Now

Remember that you have access to the courses for one year from the date of enrollment.

 

 

Page 5 of 5 of the CDA Training Program Instructions