Child Development Associate

The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE), and it is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. The CDA® is based on a core set of competency standards that guide early childhood professionals toward becoming qualified educators of young children.

• There are four steps in the process of attaining a CDA:
  • Approved coursework- CCBC is an approved provider.
  • Creation of a portfolio- This is a part of our coursework, as well.
  • CDA Exam
  • External observation and evaluation
• There are three different CDA options that we offer at CCBC
  • Infant/ Toddler (9 credits)
  • Preschool (9 credits)
  • Birth- 5yrs. (9 credits)
• Students who successfully complete their coursework at CCBC will be permitted to apply those credits to the Early Learning & Development, Early Childhood Education PreK-4, or Special Education associate’s degree pathway.
• Many students who enroll in our program are funded under one a several grant programs. However, this is not a requirement of the program. Due to grant funds being cut, many early childhood care facilities are paying for students to attend CCBC or some students are paying out-of-pocket. Childcare centers need to have employees enrolled in the CDA program in order to maintain and improve their accreditation status.
• The typical student who enrolls in the CDA program is a non-traditional student who has no college experience. Some will continue to earn their degree, but many will not.
• Students who begin their CDA with us are not required to take placement tests. If they choose to continue with us, they must take the placement tests.
• Students or directors who inquire about the program should be directed to email Sonya Kitsko (sonya.kitsko@ccbc.edu).