 Printer View
National competency standards for CDA Credential
The CDA Competency Standards are the national standards used to evaluate a caregiver's performance with children and families during the CDA assessment process. The Competency Standards are divided into six Competency Goals, which are statements of a general purpose or goal for caregiver behavior. The Competency Goals apply to all child care settings.
The six goals are defined in more detail in the 13 Functional Areas, which describe the major tasks or functions that a caregiver must complete in order to carry out the Competency Goal. A Developmental Context, a brief overview of relevant child development principles, explains each Functional Area.
Although the six Competency Goals are the same for all settings (center-based, family child care, home visitor), the Functional Area definitions and sample behaviors differ for each setting and age group. The contents of each Application Packet contain materials appropriate for each setting.
CDA Goals & Functional Areas
| CDA COMPETENCY GOALS |
FUNCTIONAL AREAS |
Goal I.
To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment . |
1. Safe |
| 2. Healthy |
| 3. Learning Environment |
Goal II.
To advance physical and intellectual competence |
4. Physical |
| 5. Cognitive |
| 6. Communication |
| 7. Creative |
Goal III.
To support social and emotional development and to provide positive guidance |
8. Self |
| 9. Social |
| 10. Guidance |
Goal IV.
To establish positive and productive relationships with families |
11. Families |
Goal V.
To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs |
12. Program Management |
Goal VI.
To maintain a commitment to professionalism |
13. Professionalism |
top
CDA Competency Standards Books
Individuals who purchase a CDA Application Packet (see "Obtaining a CDA Credential") receive two copies of the CDA Competency Standards Book appropriate for the child care setting credential they are interested in. Trainers, and others, who don't need the entire application packet can order the Competency Standards books by age or specialty setting. These books provide a description of the Competency Standards, the 13 CDA Functional Areas, information on the CDA Assessment process, and requirements for Candidates, Advisors, Parents, and Council Representatives.
| CDA Competency Standards Books |
| Setting |
*Fee |
English Version Code |
Spanish Version Code |
| Preschool |
$8.00 |
CS-PS |
SCS-PS |
| Infant/Toddler |
$8.00 |
CS-IT |
SCS-IT |
| Family Child Care |
$8.00 |
CS-FCC |
SCS-FCC |
| Home Visitor |
$8.00 |
CS-HV |
SCS-HV |
* Book fee does not include shipping and handling charges
To order online go to Bookstore — CDA Training Materials
or for
telephone, fax, or mail order instructions, print the Order Form.
top
|
