Council For Professional Recognition

CDA Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements and have purchased an Application Packet (see "Obtaining a CDA Credential") progress through the following steps to prepare and submit documents verifying their competency in early childhood care and education. The assessment process is identical for all Center-based and Family Child Care CDA Candidates, but differs for Home Visitor Candidates (see separate section on "Home Visitor Credential"). The process for Renewal Credentials is also different (see separate section on "CDA Renewal").

Preparation of the CDA Application requires the Candidate to document evidence of his or her competence from the following three sources:

The Direct Assessment Application Form (included in the Application Packet) is the official Candidate application for CDA assessment. The form requires the Candidate and the Advisor to verify all eligibility and documentation requirements. A Candidate Checklist, included in the Application Packet, should be used to check that all procedures have been followed. The Application Form requires consent from the Program Director for the Candidate to participate in the Verification Visit.

The Candidate submits the application with the assessment fee ($325) and original signatures addressed to:

Upon receipt of a Candidate's Application Form, the $325 assessment fee, and documentation of training, the Council schedules a Verification Visit by a Council Representative. The Council Representative contacts the Candidate to arrange the date and place for the visit. These assignments are made four times a year according to the following timetable:

During the Verification Visit the Council Representative will:

Details about all of these procedures are included in the Application Packet .

At the conclusion of the Verification Visit, the Council Representative will return the Professional Resource File to the Candidate and submit the remaining material to the Council.

A Council committee conducts a review of the Candidate's documentation and renders a decision whether to award the credential. If a Credential is awarded, the official Credential is sent to the new Child Development Associate. If the committee decides the Candidate needs more training, the Council notifies the Candidate and informs them of appeal procedures and other subsequent options.

A CDA Credential is valid for three years from the award date, after which it may be renewed for five-year periods. For details about the renewal process, see section on "CDA Renewal".

The purpose of the observation, conducted by the Advisor, is to rate a Candidate's skill in the following areas.

Functional Area 1: Safe

1.1	All toys and materials provided for use by children are safe.
1.2	Supervision is appropriate for developmental level of children.
1.3	Emergency procedures are planned in advance and are well organized.

Functional Area 2: Healthy

2.1	General hygiene practices are consistently implemented to cut down the spread of infectious disease.
2.2	Health maintenance habits in children are encouraged.
2.3	Diapering/toileting procedures are organized to maintain health.
2.4	Meals/snacks meet the developmental needs of children.
2.5	Pleasant and appropriate environment conducive to rest is provided daily.

Functional Area 3: Learning Environment

3.1	Well-arranged space, which meets the developmental needs of children during routines and play, is provided.
3.2	A variety of developmentally appropriate materials are available.
3.3	Materials for play are well organized.
3.4	Schedule provided meets the children's need for routine and play.

Functional Area 4: Physical

4.1	A variety of activities are offered which enable children to develop their large muscles.
4.2	A variety of activities are offered which enable children to develop their small muscles.
4.3	Program activities adapt to meet individual needs and special needs of children with disabilities.
4.4	Opportunities are offered to help children develop their senses.

Functional Area 5: Cognitive

5.1	A variety of age-appropriate materials and activities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving are accessible to children throughout the day.
5.2	Interactions provide support for play, exploration, and learning.
5.3	Individual learning styles are recognized.

Functional Area 6: Communication

6.1	Communication with each child is frequent.
6.2	Talk with children is developmentally appropriate.
6.3	Children are encouraged to talk.
6.4	Children's attempts to communicate are responded to positively.
6.5	A developmentally appropriate, print-rich environment, in which children learn about books, literature, and writing, is provided.

Functional Area 7: Creative

7.1	Individual expression and creativity are appreciated.
7.2	Many appropriate music experiences are available to children.
7.3	Art experiences are age appropriate and varied.
7.4	Dramatic play experiences, with a variety of age-appropriate props, are available.
7.5	A variety of age-appropriate block play opportunities are available.

Functional Area 8: Self

8.1	Children are given the message that each is important, respected, and valued.
8.2	Individual children are able to develop a sense of security.
8.3	Diapering/toileting procedures are developmentally appropriate and set up to encourage self-help skills.

Functional Area 9: Social

9.1	Each child feels accepted in the group.
9.2	Feelings of empathy and respect for others are encouraged.
9.3	Non-biased curriculum is used.
9.4	Children are encouraged to respect the environment.

Functional Area 10: Guidance

10.1	Methods for avoiding problems are implemented.
10.2	Positive guidance techniques are used.
10.3	Guidance practices are related to knowledge of each child's personality and developmental level.

Functional Area 11: Families

11.1	Various opportunities to appreciate children's families are part of the regular program.
11.2	Information about families' culture, religion, and childrearing practices is in classroom experiences.
11.3	Various opportunities are offered to help parents understand the development of their child and understand their child's point of view.
11.4	Resources are provided to help families meet their child's needs.

In addition, the Advisor will rate the Candidate's performance in the two additional CDA Functional Areas where it may not be possible to observe behavior during the formal observation. The Advisor may need to ask the Candidate some questions to complete her/his evidence of competence in the following areas:

Functional Area 12: Program Management
Candidate manages, by using all available resources, to ensure an effective operation. Candidate is a competent organizer, planner, record-keeper, communicator, and a cooperative co-worker.

Functional Area 13: Professionalism
Candidate makes decisions based on knowledge of early childhood theories and practices, and promotes quality child care services. The Candidate also takes advantage of opportunities to improve competence, both for personal and professional growth and for the benefit of children and families.
Candidate keeps abreast of current regulatory, legislative and workforce issues and how they affect the welfare of young children.