How to Obtain Your CDA Certification in Maryland, New York, and Georgia - A state-specific guide - post

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the role of early childhood educators has never been more critical. The foundation laid during a child's formative years significantly influences their future learning and development. As such, obtaining a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a vital step for aspiring educators who wish to enhance their skills and demonstrate their commitment to the field. This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals in Maryland, New York, and Georgia, outlining the specific steps and requirements necessary to achieve CDA certification.

State-Specific Certification Requirements

Maryland

• Educational Requirements: Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, they need to complete 120 hours of professional development in early childhood education, covering the eight CDA subject areas.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 480 hours of experience working with children in the age group relevant to the CDA setting is required.
• Professional Portfolio: Candidates must compile a professional portfolio that includes family questionnaires, reflective statements of competence, and documentation of training.
• Verification Visit: A verification visit by a CDA Professional Development Specialist is mandatory to assess the candidate's competencies and readiness for certification.

New York

• Educational Requirements: Similar to Maryland, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and complete 120 hours of training in CDA-approved subject areas.
• Work Experience: Candidates are required to have 480 hours of work experience with children, which can be in various settings such as center-based programs or family child care.
• Professional Portfolio: A comprehensive portfolio must be prepared, including documentation of training, family questionnaires, and reflective statements.
• Verification Visit: Candidates must schedule a verification visit with a PD Specialist to evaluate their practical skills and knowledge.

Georgia

• Educational Requirements: Candidates must show proof of a high school diploma or GED and complete 120 hours of professional development in early childhood education.
• Work Experience: A total of 480 hours of relevant work experience with children is required.
• Professional Portfolio: Candidates need to create a professional portfolio that includes family questionnaires, reflective statements of competence, and evidence of training.
• Verification Visit: A verification visit by a PD Specialist is necessary to assess the candidate's competencies and readiness for certification.

References

• https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/5-steps-to-obtain-a-cda-credential/
• https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/faqs/
• https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/cdaexam.html
• https://www.cceionline.com/cda-partners/
• https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/what-is-a-cda-certificate

CDA Credentialing Process Overview

The CDA credentialing process can be broken down into the following steps:

• Eligibility Requirements:

  • Candidates must have a valid high school diploma, GED, or be enrolled as a junior or senior in a high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
  • A minimum of 120 hours of professional early childhood education training is required, tailored to the specific setting (e.g., preschool, infant-toddler, or family child care).
  • Candidates must accumulate at least 480 hours of work experience in a relevant early childhood setting.

• Professional Portfolio Preparation:

  • Candidates are required to prepare a CDA professional portfolio that includes documentation of their training, work experience, and reflective statements demonstrating their competencies in early childhood education.
  • The portfolio must effectively showcase the candidate's understanding of child development and their ability to create a supportive learning environment.

• Assessment:

  • Upon completion of the portfolio, candidates must undergo an assessment process, which includes a written examination and an observation of their teaching practices.
  • This assessment evaluates the candidate's knowledge and skills in early childhood education, ensuring they meet the CDA competency standards.

• Application Process:

  • Candidates must submit an online application that includes the portfolio and payment of the application fee.
  • The initial application fee is typically $425, with a renewal fee of $125 for those seeking to maintain their certification.

• Funding Opportunities:

  • In certain states, such as Maryland, funding may be available to assist candidates with the costs associated with obtaining their CDA credential. This funding can cover application fees and required materials.
  • Candidates are encouraged to explore local resources and programs that provide financial assistance for early childhood educators pursuing their CDA.

References

• https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/CDA

Eligibility Requirements for CDA

To be eligible for the CDA Credential, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Education:

  • Candidates must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification, such as a GED.

• Experience:

  • A minimum of 480 hours of work experience with children in the age group relevant to the chosen CDA setting is required.
  • This experience must have been accrued within the last three years prior to applying for the CDA Credential, ensuring that candidates have recent and applicable experience.

• Types of Experience:

  • Candidates should engage in direct interactions with children, which may include:
    • Planning and implementing age-appropriate activities.
    • Observing and assessing children's development.
    • Collaborating with families and colleagues.

• Supervision and Documentation:

  • Candidates must provide documentation of their work experience, which typically includes verification from a supervisor or employer. This documentation should detail:
    • The candidate's role and responsibilities.
    • The total number of hours worked.

• Related Experience:

  • In certain cases, candidates may count relevant experience from other settings, such as schools, community centers, or social service agencies, towards the work experience requirement, provided it demonstrates competency in working with young children.

• Training:

  • Candidates are required to complete 120 clock hours of professional education in early childhood education. This training should cover essential topics, including:
    • Child development.
    • Health and safety.
    • Curriculum planning.
    • Working with families.

• Observation and Assessment:

  • A verification visit must be completed, during which a CDA Professional Development Specialist observes the candidate working with children. This assessment evaluates the candidate's competence in:
    • Creating a safe and healthy learning environment.
    • Fostering children's physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development.
    • Building positive relationships with children and families.

• CDA Exam:

  • Candidates must successfully complete the CDA Exam, which is developed by the CDA Council and administered at Pearson Vue locations.

• Professional Portfolio:

  • A professional portfolio must be compiled, showcasing documentation of the candidate's education, experience, and competency in meeting the CDA credential requirements. This portfolio serves as evidence of qualifications and is submitted as part of the assessment process. Resources like ChildCareEd's Creating the CDA Portfolio Handbook can assist candidates in developing their portfolios with examples and templates.

References

• https://www.childcareed.com/a/what-are-the-eligibility-requirements-for-obtaining-the-cda-child-development-associate-credential.html