What is a Child Development Associate® CDA?
The Child Development Associate (CDA) is a nationally recognized early childhood credential
designed to assess early childhood educator’s knowledge, skills and abilities using
multiple sources of evidence such as an exam, observation and professional portfolio.
The purpose of this credential is to ensure that early childhood educators are providing
high quality care and meeting the developmental, emotional and educational needs of
children.
Details
- Cost - No charge! This program is free for all that qualify and are accepted.
- Fully Remote
- Evening classes
- Upon completion participants are eligible to apply for a TEACH scholarship to be used
towards CDA exam fees
- CDA students eligible to apply to receive up to 6 credits for prior learning upon
program completion
-
Mentoring and coaching
- Cohort Model
-
Program Eligibility
To be eligible for this program applicants must:
- Be employed by a center based or family child care home licensed by DHS
- Work a minimum of 20 hours per week in an infant, toddler or preschool- age classroom
or family child care home
- Applicants program must be a DHS approved CCAP provider and BrightStars rated
- Complete the RIECETP application
Program Overview
- Participants must attend an in-person orientation
- Participants will meet remotely for 14 weeks to receive support in preparing to earn
a portable and stackable CDA credential
- Participants will receive instruction to gain an understanding of the 6 CDA Competency
Standards and prepare the required professional portfolio
- Participants will receive up to 45 hours of DHS approved professional development
- Participants will receive guidance in completing the CDA online application process
and pre-exam requirements
For more information contact:
Lori Ryan
Program Coordinator
Community College of Rhode Island
Department of Human Services
[email protected]