Children's Service Society

What is the CDA?

The CDA is a national credential for individuals working with children ages birth to five.  The program is sponsored by The Council for Professional Recognition, headquartered in Washington, D.C.  It is designed to provide performance-based training, assessment and credentialing of caregivers who demonstrate their ability to nurture children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework.

Who is eligible?

While Candidates seeking to apply for CDA assessment are able to begin their CDA training at least one year before, at the time they apply they must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Have 480 hours of experience working with children within the past five years
• Have 120 clock hours of formal child care education within the past five years
• Identify an appropriate setting to be observed working as the lead caregiver
• Be able to speak, read, write well enough to complete all aspects of the process

Why would someone want to obtain a CDA?

The CDA is a self-paced, on-the-job credential for working individuals.  It is nationally recognized and will therefore move with the Candidate from job to job and state to state.  It may be required or encouraged by a program or employer, or required to meet state licensing and/or accreditation standards for directors and/or staff members.  It helps to improve both knowledge base and practical classroom skills.  It is relatively inexpensive as compared to higher education and there are scholarships and incentives available to help defray the cost.  It could lead to a raise, promotion, or better employment in the field.

What is the CDA Consultant’s role?

The CDA Consultant will guide the Candidate throughout the entire process by helping to assess, monitor, and record training hours, observe the Candidate in an appropriate setting acting as the lead caregiver and provide feedback, act as Advisor for the Candidate,  and be available for the Candidate to answer their questions, address their concerns, and meet their needs.  The CDA Consultant will also hear and represent all voices, especially those of the child.

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