What is a CDA Credential?

The CDA Credential is a nationally recognized credential awarded to individuals who have demonstrated competency through both experience and education in working with young children ages 0-5.  The CDA Credential is awarded to infant/toddler child care teachers, preschool teachers or family child care providers.

 Who awards the CDA Credential?

The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition (The Council) administers the CDA credentialing program and awards the CDA Credential.

 Who administers the CDA Credential Assessment Scholarship Program?

The CDA Assessment Scholarship is made available through Washington Scholarships and is administered by the Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Network

Does the CDA Credential have to be renewed?

Yes.  The CDA Credential is valid for 3 years from the date of award.  At the end of that period, a CDA recipient may apply for renewal.  When the renewal is granted, the Credential becomes valid for an additional 5 years.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Candidates for the CDA must meet the following criteria: be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have 480 hours of experience working with young children within the past five years and have 120 hours of formal child care education and training within the past five years in the CDA training content areas.

Who is eligible for a CDA Credential Assessment Scholarship?

Individuals earning less than $14.45 per hour while working in a  licensed  child care center or a registered family child care home for at least 20 hours per week are encouraged to apply.

How do I earn the CDA Credential?

In order to receive the CDA Credential, an individual must meet the eligibility requirements and complete or facilitate the completion of the following:  a professional resource file, parent opinion questionnaires, a formal observation, an oral interview and a written assessment.

What will the CDA Credential Assessment Scholarship cover?

The CDA Assessment Scholarship will pay 90% of the assessment fee for family child care providers and 75% for center providers.  In both cases, the applicant will pay 10%.

What kind of commitment is required of recipients of the CDA Assessment Scholarship?

Scholarship recipients are asked to remain with their sponsoring programs for an additional 6 months after the CDA Credential has been received.

Will I be compensated for earning the CDA Credential?

Yes. We will award a $150 bonus once a copy of the CDA Credential is received from the scholar.

What kind of commitment is required of the center?

The center is required to pay 15% of the assessment fee.  Centers will allow teachers to be formally observed in the classroom by a representative from the Council.

What kind of support does Washington Scholarships provide?

Washington Scholarships provides counseling and administrative support.  We review application materials and submit them to the Council.

For more information e-mail  scholarship@childcarenet.org or call us toll free at 1-866-308-3224.

Resources

 The Council for Professional Recognition is a program that focuses on the skills of early care and education professionals. It is designed to provide performance-based training, assessment, and credentialing of child care staff, home visitors, and family child care providers.