CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE CREDENTIAL (CDA)
CDA Credential Courses Currently Unavailable.
Program Description
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is the most widely recognized credential in the Early Childhood Education field and is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. Students at NPRC can choose a CDA age level for Infant-Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care, or Home Visitor.
To earn a CDA, students must
- complete 120 hours of professional education;
- complete 480 hours of work experience within the last three years at a licensed early childhood facility;
- compile a professional portfolio;
- pass the CDA exam; and
- have a satisfactory verification visit.
Students can complete the CDA Preparation course offered by NPRC Workforce Development. This option breaks the 120 hours into three parts, which may be taken in any order to allow the student flexibility and choice. Students who earn their CDA credential with this option may request up to 9 Prior Learning Credits (PLC) towards NPRC’s Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education.
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Program Start Date
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Program Completion Date
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Program Cost
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What You'll Learn
CDA Credential
Students preparing for their CDA Credential will:
Reflect upon personal experiences of working within a childcare environment and discuss with peers in relation to the course content;
Research family support agencies in their local community with regard;
Generate ideas for learning activities at the infant, toddler, and preschool levels;
Plan healthy meal calendars for children;
Sketch out floor plans for an early learning classroom to include areas for rest, eating, play, and exploring early learning manipulatives; and
Practice communication strategies for early learning professionals and families.
Career Outlook in Child Development
Career opportunities include an assistant teacher, paraprofessional (teacher’s aide), group supervisor, school-aged childcare, and community organization staff. In some cases, individuals with a CDA may be a home childcare program owner or operator, and a lea teacher in some settings.
There are 5,690 projected annual job openings in Pennsylvania for Childcare Workers. (O*Net OnLine)
There are 220 projected annual job openings in Pennsylvania for Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool, and Daycare. (O*Net OnLine)
There are 4,630 projected annual job openings in Pennsylvania for Teaching Assistants (Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School).
For students looking to continue their education beyond a CDA may request up to 6 Prior Learning Credits (PLC) towards NPRC’s Associate of Applied Sciences in Early Childhood Education. Other regional institutions may also award PLC for a CDA.
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This program provides students with knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with guiding the social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development of children from birth to age ten in a variety of settings. Individuals currently holding a CDA credential may receive prior learning credit toward degree requirements.
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