Child Development Associate (CDA) Preparation
What is a CDA?
A CDA is a Child Development Associated Credential. A person with a CDA is a professional working with young children. CDA candidates have proved to be competent in working with young children by completing all the requirements for the CDA credential. A CDA Credential is recognized by early childhood educators in the USA.
ChildreNiños Bilingual Education (CNBE) facilitates earning the CDA with the CDA Preparation Series of 5 Sessions that prepares CDA Candidates for their CDA Credential. CNBE prepares candidates for three types of CDA Credential: Infants and Toddlers (0-2 years), Preschool (3-5 years), and Home Care. All of the sessions can be either in English, Spanish, or Bilingual.
In addition to the required and optional CDA courses, individuals persuing a CDA credential must also take several Basic Child Care Training classes. Free Informational CDA Orientation classes explain the CDA program and the steps required to achieve a CDA Credential.
Most of the optional and required CDA courses and Basic Training courses are offered either free of charge or at a substantial discount to CNBE Members. For more information on becoming a CNBE Member and to fill out a CNBE Membership form, please click here.
What are the CDA Credential Requirements?
- Be at least 18 years old with either a high school diploma or GED.
- Have completed the following in the past 5 years (program preparation):
- 120 clock hours of formal education, and
- 480 hours of experience working with children
- Documentation requirements:
- CDA Package, read and sign CDA statement of ethical conduct ($25.00)
- CDA Professional Resource File
- CDA Parent Opinion Questioners by Parents
- CDA Assessment Observation Instrument by a CDA Advisor ($150.00)
- CDA Application form and attachments to CDA Council
- CDA Childhood Studies Review (test) by CDA Council Credentialing Program ($325.00)
Cost
| $25.00 | | CDA Package and handouts |
| $500.00 | | CDA Preparation Training (Spring, Summer, or Fall) |
| $150.00 | | CDA Observation |
| $325.00 | | CDA Assessment Fee |
Scholarships
Funding available for people receiving TANF or Food Stamps, earning $6.25 or less.
CNBE Members are welcome to apply for partial scholarships; funds are limited.
CDA Orientations:
Usually held on the first Monday of each month, 6-7pm at Barbara Bush Parent Center, 1200 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840. CDA Orientations can also be given at your work place or other at facilities if you have 3 or more participants attending. Tel: (979) 229-5625, Adilia
CDA PREPARATION TRAINING
Training Locations:
English Child Development (CDA) training at St. Michael's Episcopal Preschool, 2402 South College Ave, Bryan, Texas 77801
Spanish Child Development (CDA) training at Multilingual Academy of Bryan/College Station, 915 Harvey Rd, College Station, Texas 77840
Information and Registration:
College Station - ChildreNiños at Tel: 979-229-5625, Adilia Frazer
Brenham - ChildreNiños at Tel: 979-830-8661
Austin - ChildreNiños at Tel: 512-246-2077, Josefina Ceja
CNBE GOAL:
To raise the level of education for the caregivers working with young children and after school care to at least a CDA credential by implementing an individual educational plan.
ChildreNiños Bilingual Education (CNBE) admits members and students of any race, color, and nation or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to its members and students and does not discriminate.
