Child Development Associate
Welcome to the Child Development Pathway! This pathway is for home visitors who are beginning their journey towards becoming a CDA. The Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) is a nationally recognized entry-level credential in the field of Early Childhood Education. It is issued by the Council for Professional Recognition.
The CDA is designed for those individuals who are working with young children in all settings and is a great stepping stone on the way to an associate's degree. The material for this pathway will give you information on:
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How to Begin the CDA Process
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The Major Steps of the Application Process
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How to Find Sources of Financial Aid
Home visitors begin this pathway by reading through the appropriate CDA 101 Manual. You will also need to acquire the CDA Competency Standards Manual for whichever program you are pursuing.
If you are unsure if a CDA is a good fit for you it is a good idea to investigate what occupations in your area reward or require you have a CDA.
In many states, a CDA is required for anyone working with children, either in or out of the classroom. You must purchase a CDA book which can be found here. Also included in this process is an observation by a Professional Development Specialist a national registry of those individuals can be found here. You may also wish to research what colleges will accept your CDA as partial credit towards an early childhood education degree.
Pathway Materials