CDa® Training age group settings & requirements

Infant & Toddlers (birth - 3 years old)

Prreschool (3-5 years old)

Birth to Five

Family Child Care (all ages)

Bilingual Specialization (English/Spanish) 

Textbook:  Essentials  for Working with Young Children, 3rd edition. (need to purchase directly through the CDA Store) www.cdacouncil.org/

Binder 2 inch

Ten dividers

Access to a computer/laptop

Internet access

Payment prior to each subject area

The following are required before submitting the CDA®  Application to the Council for Professional Recognition.

*High School or GED as a minimum. Foreign diplomas must be evaluated prior to completing the  CDA®  application,

* 45 hours -Completed or in the process of completing  including the exams. The DCF 5-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices must be in the age setting.

* Proof of 480 experience with age group.

* Proof of 120 clock hours of training in 8 subject areas.

To earn the CDA®  credential you need to provide proof of 120 hours in the related subject areas. Your DCF hours are part of the 120 hours, and you will complete 80 additional hours through the training program.

The training program includes eight subject areas,  ten hours each.

The hours working on the  professional portfolio are included in the ten hours of each subject area.

This is a  component of the training to meet the requirements to earn the credential. It includes six competency statements  with 13 functional areas, 15 reflection questions, and 21 resource collection items.   The Professional Portfolio is completed throughout the training program. 

Training on subject areas and professional portfolio completion:

* $25 each subject area, there are a total of 8 subject areas.

Once you have completed all the requirements, we will guide you step by step through the CDA® application process:

*creating an account with the  CDA®Council

*scheduling your CDA® Exam

*preparation to take the CDA® Exam

*selecting your PDS

*scheduling and preparation for your CDA Verification visit®

CDA®  Application:

* The CDA®  application fee** of $540 is managed through the Council for Professional Recognition. This fee includes CDA®  Exam, professional portfolio verification  and visit by a Professional Development Specialist trained and endorsed by the CDA® Council.

**If you meet the eligibility, T.E.A.C.H. could provide scholarships if funding is available.

Please make sure to get acquainted with the requirements from the CDA®  Council and T.E.A.C.H. 

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Florida - https://teach-fl.org/

Council for Professional Recognition - www.cdacouncil.org/