Why do I need a CDA? 

Head Start performance standards and Step Up to Quality requires some type of credential for lead teachers – CDA, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in a connected early education field. 

 

Eligible to begin courses after 90 days of employment but must be started within 180 days.  without a CDA you cannot be considered a qualified lead teacher. 

CDA includes 120 hours of course work.  How much time you dedicate will determine your finish time.  If you dedicate 2 hours each week, that would take you approximately one year to complete your CDA.  There is no specific time limit for completing your CDA.

The What:  

The Child Development Associate credential or CDA is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) in the U.S. The credential is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. To earn a CDA, applicants must demonstrate their competency in areas which support healthy growth and development of children both in center-based care, and in home visiting programs. 

The Why:  

Head Start Program Performance Standards (this rule applies to you because you may be working in a classroom that has Early Head Start children. 

1302.91 Staff qualifications and competency requirements  

Child and family services staff. (1) Early Head Start center-based teacher qualification requirements. As prescribed in section 645A(h) of the Act, a program must ensure center-based teachers that provide direct services to infants and toddlers in Early Head Start centers have a minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential and have been trained or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development. 

Step Up To Quality (All centers in Ohio follow these rules to provide quality centers for children. The higher rating or stars the more money the program will receive) 

Assoicates of Arts or higher in an approved related field of education for lead teachers in the room. Also having a CPL 3. What does this mean?  

The Career Pathways Level (CPL) model provides a common, point based system for all Ohio early care and education and afterschool professionals to quantify their professional growth and accomplishments to define and assist with professional advancement. 

So the more training or professional development you receive the higher you CPL level is  

 

This information can be found in OCCRRA- more information about OCCRRA is available at Home - OCCRRA or ask your administration. 

Step one part a:   Inform your building administrator of your interest in pursuing your CDA.  They may also have this conversation with you around your 90 days (about 3 months) of employment to discuss your professional development plan. Your administrator will inform Megan that they and you are ready to start the process of CDA.  

Please note: You must renew your CDA credential before it expires. Make sure to prepare in advance and be ready to submit a complete application with supporting documents when your renewal window opens. You may submit your CDA renewal application up to 6 months before your credential expires. You can only renew in the setting of your original credential and all renewal requirements must be met in that setting, even if you no longer work in that setting.

Normally, the CDA Council requires that you complete a new national CDA Credential if you did not renew your expired CDA before its expiration date.

You will need to work with you and your admin to create an individual CDA plan to get you back on track. If you let your CDA expire or not give enough notice CCP is not responsible for paying for you to obtain CDA again.