ASU Childhood Services

CDA Program

                                                                      

What Is CDA?

 

The Child Development Associate (CDA) program is a National Credentialing program initiated in 1971 for the recognition of early childhood professionals.  A competency based assessment and credentialing process is administered by the Council for Professional Recognition.  More than 50,000 child care providers have earned the CDA credential.  Forty-nine (49) states, plus the District of Columbia have incorporated this nationally accepted credential in their child care licensing regulations.

 

Applying for the CDA credential is a big commitment.  However, working towards the credential can be a rewarding experience.  It offers care givers an opportunity to:

 

·        Take a look at their own work in relation to national standards.

·        Get feedback and support from people who have experience working with children and knowledge about early childhood education/child development.

·        Earn a professional Credential that is recognized by early childhood educators nationwide.

 

For more information about the national CDA program, click on the Council’s web-site: www.cdacouncil.org

 

ASU Childhood Services CDA Program

 

Arkansas State University Childhood Services has provided a comprehensive program for over twenty-seven (27) years.  Our program is a CDA Scholarship approved Institution widely recognized throughout the state of Arkansas.  We prepare our candidates for the national CDA competency assessment.  The course work is specifically designed to address the requirements and standards of the CDA credential for Center-based Preschool and Infant/Toddler care givers, Family Child Care givers and Home Visitors.  Assistance is given for special needs such as Bilingual Specialization and the Second-Setting CDA Credential.

 

Childhood Services Offers Two Options of CDA Training Plans

 

Training Plan A

 

This plan is for students wanting to continue their college education.  When enrolled in this plan, you will receive nine (9) college degree hours in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas State University (ASU enrollment requirements must be met).  A student will work through the 128 clock hours required by the CDA Council.  The clock hours provide in-depth study and application of learning theories as relevant to the 13 functional CDA areas of study.  Classes are at central locations statewide.  Students are assigned to the nearest class site.

 

Through this training plan, you will receive four on-site visits from our expert staff.  These on-site visits are conducted on an individual basis to give you personal attention and suggestions about working with children in a licensed child care facility.  During these visits our staff will complete the CDA Observation Instrument required for CDA Assessment.  The cost for Training Plan A is $1700.00.

 

Training Plan B

 

This plan is for students who want training credit but are not planning to earn a degree.  In addition to the same 128 clock hours of course work provided in Training Plan A, training plan B offers three on-site visits from our expert staff.  These on-site visits are conducted on an individual basis to give you personal attention and suggestions about working with children in a licensed child care facility.  During these visits our staff will complete your CDA Observation required for CDA Assessment.  The cost for Training Plan B is $1000.00.

 

Payment plans can be arranged through Childhood Services for both training plans.

 

CDA Scholarship Program

 

CDA Scholarship assistance is available through the Division of Child Care & Early Childhood Education for all child care providers who are working in a licensed child care facility and have been at that facility a minimum of six months.  The six months can be waived if you have completed CCOT Training or Directors Orientation Training.  The scholarships are worth a maximum of $700 per student.  Each licensed child care facility has one scholarship available annually for every 10 children the program is licensed for.  For more information, call the Division of Child Care & Early Childhood Education @ 501-682-9699 or at their Web site: www.state.ar.us/childcare

 

CDA Credentialing

 

CDA assessment and credentialing of child care providers is administered by the CDA National Credentialing Program in Washington, D.C. under the Council for Childhood Professional Recognition.  Fees for this final assessment (presently $325.00) are the responsibility of the candidate.  These fees ARE NOT included in the cost of the clock hour program.  Scholarship assistance for assessment fees is available to all licensed or registered child care providers through the Division of Child Care & Early Childhood Education in Little Rock upon successful completion of the CDA course work from an approved CDA Scholarship Institution.