A Child Development Associate, or CDA, is an individual who has completed a special training program, assessment, and validation process that affirms his or her ability to work with young children and their families.

A CDA is able to meet the specific needs of children and who, with parents and other adults, works to nurture a child's intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth within a child development framework.

The CDA credential is awarded to child care providers and home visitors who have demonstrated competence in caring for young children by successfully completing the CDA assessment process.

What Does It Involve?
The core curriculum involves three phases:
      I. Field work
      II. Seminars and class work
      III. Final evaluation and assessment

Candidates must have 120 clock hours of formal education, with no fewer than ten (10) hours in each of the following eight (8) subject areas:

• Planning a safe, healthy learning environment.
• Steps to advance children's physical and intellectual development.
• Positive ways to support children's social and emotional development.
• Strategies to establish productive relationships with families.
• Strategies to manage an effective program operation.
• Maintaining a commitment to professionalism.
• Observing and recording children's behavior.
• Principles of child growth and development.

What Do I Have To Do To Become A CDA?

• Request an information packet from the Council For Early Childhood Professional Recognition, 2460 16th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009-3575.
• Select an early childhood education professional to serve as an advisor who will support and guide you as well as observe your work with children.
• Gain working experience with children, based on the specific requirements of the area you select as your specialty.
• Write about your goals for children and what you do to achieve them.
• Compile a file of professional resources you use in your daily work.
• Ask the parents of the children with whom you work to complete a questionnaire about your skills.
• Complete the educational requirements.
• Take a written examination about the principles of developmentally appropriate practice.
• Participate in an interview about your practices with children and families.

How Do I Enroll In CDA Classes?
Children, Inc. provides 120 hours of formal classroom instruction taught by experienced, credentialed professionals. Classes are held September-May, twice a month on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., normally held at a Children, Inc. training site.

What Is The Cost?
The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition charges a small fee for the application packet. Information can be obtained by calling the CDA Hotline at 1-800-424-4310. There is also a fee of about $325* for your final direct assessment (the interview and exam provided by the Council). This is due when you submit your application near the completion of the CDA program. Frequently, there are grants that may be submitted to help with the direct assessment cost.

The fee for the 120 hours of instruction is $600.  Tuition is waived for 30 candidates each year who live and work in Kentucky through a grant funded by the KIDS NOW! program. Out-of-state candidates may enroll and self-pay. 

* Price is subject to change