We offer aspiring childcare professionals the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills for a successful career in early childhood education. Hands-on training and practical experience prepare our students to create positive and enriching learning environments.
CDA (Child Development Associate Credential)
The CDA National Credentialing Program offers a professional development opportunity for early educators who work with children from birth to 5 years old, allowing them to showcase their knowledge, skills, and expertise in early childhood education. The CDA credentialing program assesses candidates using multiple sources of evidence, including an exam, observations, and professional a portfolio with resources and competency statements prepared by the candidate. The early childhood education field is continually evolving, making it essential for educators to keep up with key practices. The CDA is considered the “best first step” as it showcases your knowledge, skills, and abilities in working with young children, along with your dedication to career growth and professionalism.
Please examine the CDA Credential settings listed below to identify which one most accurately reflects your work with young children:
PRESCHOOL: A center-based preschool setting is a state-approved child development center where a Candidate can be observed working with a group of at least eight children, all between the ages of 3 and 5 years old.
INFANT-TODDLER: A center-based infant-toddler setting is a state-approved child development center where a Candidate can be observed working with a group of at least three children who are all under the age of 3 years old.
FAMILY CHILD CARE: A family child care setting is a family child care home where a Candidate can be observed working with at least two children aged 5 years or younger who are not related to the Candidate by blood or marriage. The setting must comply with at least the minimum applicable state and/or local regulations. Family childcare settings are also eligible in areas where there is no regulation of family child care.
CPR and First Aid: This is adult, infant, and child CPR, and First Aid = Heart saver Pediatric First Aid with CPR for adult, infant, child, and AED. Includes the use of Epi-Pen training as well as steps to first aid.
Within this course, participants will receive 120 hours of training in all 8 required subject areas towards their CDA. The CDA, which is the most widely recognized credential in Early Childhood Education, contains the most valuable training tools a teacher can gain within the field. Throughout this program, participants will be able to gain 15 hours for each of the 8 required content areas towards their CDA, have assistance from certified instructors in creating their Professional Portfolio, and receive guidance preparing for their PD Specialist Observation and CDA Exam. A program designed by an Educator for Educators, the all-inclusive CDA Program is the training every teacher of today’s young children deserves.
Required Texts will be added to the course
(Note: All participants will need to have internet access and access to a desktop, laptop, or tablet to participate in this course)
The Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program and CDA Competency Standards (Infant – Toddler or Preschool Edition)
CDA Essentials for Working with Young Children (Third Edition)
Students Enrolled In This Training Will Have Access To:
- Course Syllabus
- Study Guide/Review Packet
- Interactive Worksheets
- Training Videos
- Interactive Review Activities
- Content Assessments
- Personalized Assistance
- Optional Live Virtual Classes
- Optional Personal or Small Group Tutoring
- Email Notifications
For Those Interested In Earning Their CDA:
This course provides 120 hours of training in all required subject areas
CDA applicants must have 120 hours of training in the required content areas as per the Council for Professional Recognition
Anyone interested in earning their CDA should visit https://www.cdacouncil.org/credentials/faqs/apply-for-cda-faqs for a full list of CDA requirements
The price for the CDA program is 1400.00
Free guidance towards completing all CDA requirements is included in the purchase of a full CDA Program
Payment Plans And Discounts Available:
Why Choose The Lewis Chatman Academy? We can help with placement and help you get the required training hours in a childcare center.
At The Completion Of This Training, Participants Will Be Able To:
- Plan a safe and healthy learning environment within a classroom setting for all children, teachers, and participants by completing 20 hours of training.
- Facilitate the advancement of children’s physical and intellectual development in a classroom setting by completing 25 hours of training.
- Support children’s social and emotional development during learning and play-based activities in a classroom setting by completing 20 hours of training.
- Build productive relationships with families of the children in a classroom setting by completing 11 hours of training.
- Manage an effective program geared towards academic, social, and emotional development by completing 11 hours of training.
- Maintain a commitment to professionalism through the review of professional development needs and standards by completing 11 hours of training.
- Observe and record children’s behavior on a daily and quarterly basis through specific assessment tools provided by a child care center through the completion of 11 hours of training.
- Examine the principles of child development and learning by completing 11 hours of training through 2-course modules that will give participants the skills needed to identify advances during early childhood.
- Compose a Professional Portfolio that includes the required 25 pieces of documentation that will be submitted during the mandated PD Specialist Observation for the final CDA credential.
Courses/Training Included in the CDA Program
- Planning a Safe and Healthy Learning Environment (20 Hours)
- Advancing Children’s Physical and Intellectual Development (25 Hours)
- Supporting Children’s Social and Emotional Development (20 Hours)
- Building Productive Relationships with Families (11 Hours)
- Managing an Effective Program (11 Hours)
- Maintaining a Commitment to Professionalism (11 Hours)
- Observing and Recording Children’s Behavior (11 Hours)
- Understanding Principles of Child Development and Learning (11 Hours)
- CDA Practice Exam
- CDA Professional Portfolio Course and Review of Professional Portfolio by a certified PD Specialist and Educator
