Overview of the CDA Credentialing Program  
CDA verses CCP
Minnesota Core Competencies
The Family Day Care Rating Scale 
Early Childhood Indicators of Progress

Overview

CDA stands for Child Development Associate. The CDA program represents a national effort to credential qualified providers who work with children from birth to age five. Center based caregivers and home based caregivers can enter the program. A CDA is an individual who has successfully completed a CDA assessment and who has been awarded the CDA Credential.

The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition (The Council) operates the CDA credentialing program as a major national effort to improve the quality of child care. The program is designed to provide performance-based training, assessment and credentialing of child care staff, and in-home providers. 

There are two systems in the CDA Credentialing Program.

1.  Direct Assessment     

2.  CDA Professional Preparation Program (CDA P3)

The core of the program consists of CDA Competency Standards which are defined into 13 Functional Areas. These standards are called Competency Goals, which are general statements that establish the framework for caregiver behavior.

The candidates who apply for the CDA Credential can select one of the following endorsements:

The instruction for the CDA P3 is divided into three phases:

1.  Fieldwork

2.  Coursework

3.  Final Evaluation

Scholarship assistance is available. Based on guidelines in the CDA Scholarship Assistance Act, scholarships may cover application and assessment fees, as well as some training costs. Each state has its own Scholarship Act Administrative Agency which oversees fund activity. If you need assistance with a scholarship call toll free at (800)424-4310.

For detailed information contact:  

Council For Professional Recognition
2460 16th Street, NW · Washington DC 20009-3575
Telephone: 800-424-4310 · 202-265-9090

To obtain the application packet online click here.  

Back to Top

What is the difference between a CDA and a CCP?

In most states, the two credentials are recognized as equivalent.

• The CCP (Certified Childcare Professional) is granted to providers by the National Child Care Association (1-800-543-7161). 
  
• The CDA (Child Development Associate) is granted to providers by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition (1-800-424-4310).  

Booklets

Minnesota Core Competencies

1. Child Growth and Development
2. Learning Environment and Curriculum
3. Assessment and Planning for Individual needs
4. Interactions with Children
5. Families and Communities
6. Health, Safety and Nutrition
7. Program Planning and Evaluation
8. Professional Development and Leadership
   

• There are five levels of competency

To request copies of the Minnesota Core Competencies for Early Childhood Education and Care Practitioners, please contact:

www.mnaeyc.org

 

The Family Day Care Rating Scale

A self assessment tool for family day care providers, and a
quality measure for state and private monitoring agencies.

Go to  www.redleafpress.org and search for
ISBN#: 978-080774725-4
 

Early Childhood Indicators of Progress

Developed by The Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota's Early Learning Standards provides a framework for understanding and communicating a common set of developmentally appropriate expectations for young children within  a context of shared responsibility and accountability for helping children meet these expectations.

Download Minnesota's Early Learning Guidelines for Birth to Age 3.

Requires a .pdf file reader.  **Get the Adobe .pdf Reader**

Back To Top