Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification

Are you a child care provider looking to grow your skills and increase job opportunities? A Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) may be for you!
                                                                            CDA is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and is an important part in starting a career in early childhood education, teaching candidates how to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of children.
Former CDA Candidates, now CDA Graduates, present a project during a class at CCRN

Enrollment for the April 2024 CDA class is closed. Enrollment for the July 2024 CDA class will open in April.

*Please note the following:*

  • We do not accept applications after the last day of the enrollment period, and if the class reaches maximum capacity before the end of enrollment the application will be closed.
  • Communication during enrollment is primarily done via email. Please check the email you provide on your application for any updates regarding the CDA course you enrolled in.
  • You will not be able to apply for the Educational Incentive Program (EIP) Scholarship until after enrollment ends. For information on the EIP Scholarship you can visit their website at: https://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu/eip.aspx

Contact Kirstin Hollman at khollman@wnychildren.org with any questions on CDA Enrollment.

COURSE OVERVIEW

The CDA Course at Child Care Resource Network:

  • Takes just under 1 year to complete, and consists of a total of 120 hours of training, completed over 4 separate modules of 30 hours each.
  • Takes place from 5:30-8:30 pm either on Tuesdays, Wednesday, or Thursdays.
  • Is hybrid, with classes meeting both in-person at our agency on 1000 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo or via Zoom. A full class schedule is provided prior to the start of the first module.
  • Includes assistance with the creation of the Professional Portfolio.
  • Includes guidance and information on applying for the CDA Credential at the Council for Professional Recognition.
COST

Please note, the course fees and tuition listed here are subject to change.

 

Tuition for the CDA Course is a total of $2,400, or $600 per module. Candidates can pay either out of pocket or with available scholarship funding. Funding to pay for tuition may be available through the Educational Incentive Program (EIP) Scholarship. Scholarship funding is not guaranteed.

 

Candidates are also required to purchase books and materials prior to the start of the first module, for a total of $153.40. EIP does not cover the books and materials fee.

  • Essentials Textbook
  • Competency Standard Book in one of the following modalities:
    • Center-Based Infant and Toddler
    • Center-Based Preschool
    • Family Child Care
  • Materials – This covers the cost of handouts provided over the course of the program, as well as the materials for the creation of the Professional Portfolio.
ENROLLMENT

New CDA Courses begin every April, July, and October. Applications are only accepted during the following enrollment periods:

  • April Class (Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30pm): January – February
  • October Class (Thursdays, 5:30-8:30pm): July – August
  • July Class (Tuesdays, 5:30-8:30pm): April – May

 

The CDA Application is available online at our website during the above enrollment periods. Interested CDA Candidates will need to submit an online application and a $100 application fee. The fee can be paid either on our website linked below or with the link that is automatically emailed upon the submission of the online application.

 

Information about the Course is sent out one month prior to the first class. Candidates interested in applying for EIP will be given information after enrollment closes. EIP is not available to apply for during enrollment periods.

“My experience with acquiring my CDA was a great one. I learned that I can achieve anything I put my mind to.”

Shannon N.

“CDA has taught me so much in the year of learning, I am more educated in this field than ever before!”

Renee S.

Ready to get the ball rolling? Watch the above video for information on earning your CDA Credential. You can check the top of the page for the online application, it’s only open during enrollment period. Check our social media for updates on when the next enrollment period will start!

 

More questions? Contact us at training@wnychildren.org or       (716) 877-6666 ext. 3061

Need to make a CDA Payment?

If you are a NEW CDA candidate looking to pay application and/or material fees please see below

New CDA Candidates

If you are a current CDA candidate looking to pay tuition for a module by credit card please see below.

Current CDA Candidates

Helpful Links:

Council for Professional Recognition: https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/

Professional Development Program (PDP)

Early Childhood Education and Training Program (ECETP):

https://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu/eip.aspx