What is the CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential? - post

The CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential is a nationally recognized credential in the United States for professionals working in the field of #early-childhood-education. It is administered by the Council for Professional Recognition. The CDA Credential is designed to assess and recognize the competence of individuals working with young children in various settings, including #daycare-centers, preschools, and family child care #homes.

The Council for Professional Recognition is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., in the United States. It is dedicated to promoting improved performance and recognition of professionals in the #early-childhood education field. The Council is perhaps best known for its administration of the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

Here are some key points about the Council for Professional Recognition:

• Mission: The Council's mission is to promote the professional #development and recognition of #early-childhood- #educators by providing credentials, training, and resources to enhance their skills and competence.

• CDA Credential: One of the primary functions of the Council is to administer the CDA Credential. The CDA Credential is awarded to individuals who meet specific competency standards and requirements in areas such as child development, family #engagement, and professional practice.

• Training and Resources: The Council offers resources, and materials to support #early-childhood-educators in their professional development journey. These resources may include workshops, publications, and tools for creating professional portfolios.

• Advocacy and Research: The Council advocates for policies and practices that support the professionalization of the early childhood education workforce. Additionally, it conducts research to inform best practices and improve the quality of early childhood education programs.

• Partnerships: The Council collaborates with various organizations, agencies, and stakeholders in the early childhood education field to advance its mission and goals. These partnerships may involve government agencies, educational institutions, childcare providers, and professional associations.

To obtain the CDA Credential, candidates must demonstrate their knowledge and skills in working with children by meeting specific requirements, including completing a prescribed number of training hours, accumulating relevant work experience, and preparing a professional portfolio. Additionally, candidates undergo observation and assessment by an assigned CDA Professional Development Specialist.

Achieving the CDA Credential signifies that an individual has met the national standards for competence in early childhood education and is committed to providing high-quality care and education to young children. It can enhance #career opportunities and professional growth in the field of early childhood education.

ChildCareEd is proud to offer a FREE course detailing the CDA Credentialing process, "CDA Introduction" Start your journey to career advancement today with our FREE information course and then register for ChildCareEd’s CDA Credential training program.