Council For Professional Recognition

The following information applies to Council Representatives for Candidates seeking the Center-based or Family Child Care Credential. For variations applicable to Home Visitor Candidates, see section on “Home Visitor Credential”.

Council Representative role

The role of the Council Representative is to act as the official agent of the Council for Professional Recognition to administer and verify the procedures and documents required for CDA Assessment. The Council Representative conducts the final phase of the Candidate's assessment known as the Verification Visit by:

How to become a Council Representative

Council Representatives are professionals who have had direct experiences with children and their families, and academic preparation in the field of early childhood education. They are selected nationwide and receive training to ensure their complete knowledge of the CDA Assessment System, including all procedures of the verification process. Individuals interested in becoming Council Representatives should mail a resume and cover letter indicating their desire to become a representative to:

Currently the Council only offers Council Representative Training in targeted geographical locations. Occasional Council Representative Refresher sessions are held in conjunction with early childhood conferences. Scheduled training sessions are listed in the “CDA Training Calendar”, located in the CDA Resources section of this website.

Eligibility Requirements for Council Representative

To conduct assessments as a Council Representative, an individual must meet the following criteria:

A. PERSONAL

• Affirm their ability to relate to people of various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Be knowledgeable about local, state, and national requirements and standards for child care programs serving children ages birth through five years.

• Be familiar with the center where the Candidate will be observed and the needs of families and children in the community.

B. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

• Hold a Baccalaureate or Associate degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following disciplines:

• The degree must include, at minimum, 18 semester or 24 quarter hours of course work in Early Childhood Education/Child Development, studying children birth through five years.

C. PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

For those with a BACCALAUREATE DEGREE, two years in a child care setting serving children from birth to five years of ages to include: one year working directly with children as a caregiver, teacher, child life worker, social worker, or similar role, AND one year facilitating the professional growth of at least one other adult.

Option 2

For those with an ASSOCIATE DEGREE, four years in a child care setting serving children from birth to five years of age, to include: two years working directly with children as a caregiver, teacher, child life worker, social worker, or similar role, AND two years facilitating the professional growth of at least one other adult.

A variety of experiences, such as teaching college coursework, may be submitted to document experience in early childhood education/child development. All such substitutions should be submitted in writing for Council approval.