Better Kid Care CDA (Child Development Associate) credential information for child care providers

CDA Notions

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Better Kid Care E-Newsletter

Click this link to subscribe for the Better Kid Care E-Newsletter and find out about CDA and More!

CounciLINK Newsletter

CounciLINK features Information on preparing teachers of young children. Each issue will also include an Advocacy link, CDA (Child Development Associate) credential information, as well as other tips and ideas contributing to the field of early education. View the CounciLINK or visit the Council's web site at www.cdacouncil.org and click on Newsletter.

New Features at the CDA Council's Website!

Six Major Updates from the CDA Council for Professional Recognition

Competency Standards Updates: The CDA Council has announced updates to the Functional Areas in the CDA Competency Standards books for Infant/Toddler and Preschool Caregivers in Center-Based Programs to ensure that they reflect the most current knowledge of child development and best practices. Revised third editions are now available. Each includes many new examples and also a new section on Dual-Language Learners.
Rolling Applications: The CDA Council announced that it now accepts application on a rolling basis (in terms of the application procedure). Verification visits will occur within 90 days from the date the CDA Council receives each correct and complete application.
Professional Resource File: Effective September 1, 2011, Professional Resource File materials must be consistent with the requirements outlined in Competency Standards books dated no earlier than 2006.
High School Students now eligible for CDA - effective April 1, 2011 certain high school students enrolled in the ECE vocational programs may become candidates for the CDA credential. They must meet all CDA requirements but do NOT have to be 18 and must hold a high school diploma, or equivalent, or must be a junior or senior in a high school vocational program in early education.
You can now renew your CDA online with YourCDA. Click here for YourCDA.
All CDAs applying for Renewal will need to meet a new first aid requirement effective November 15, 2011. Renewal Candidates will need to have Pediatric First Aid Certification.

View the CDA Council's newly updated website for more information.

On-Line Assessment

YourCDA is the Council's new online application system. YourCDA will initially be available for renewals and then available for initial and second setting credentials. This feature will be available shortly. The launch will be announced in the CounciLINK newsletter.

Share your Story with the CDA Council. Visit CDA Coummunity.

Meet the CDA Council’s New CEO Valora Washington

CDA Contacts

Better Kid Care

Talk with someone who can help you get started in the CDA credential process! Call Christine at Better Kid Care today. In Pennsylvania call 800-452-9108; outside of Pennsylvania call 814-863-0339 or e-mail your CDA questions to Christine at crb16@psu.edu

Council for Professional Recognition

The Council for Professional Recognition
2460 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009-3575
800-424-4310

Web site: http://www.cdacouncil.org
Chat online with CDA Customer Service

Visit the Council on Facebook.

Pennsylvania Keys to Quality

The Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality, sponsored by the Department of Public Welfare's Office of Child Development and Early Learning, is a quality improvement program in which all early learning programs and practitioners are encouraged and supported to improve child outcomes.

Need CDA verification for Pennsylvania Keystone STARS? Download PDF

PA Department of Education (Office of Child Development and Early Learning)

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning strives to build a strong foundation for children, starting in infancy, through the establishment of a state-wide standard for excellence in early care and education and the creation of financial and technical supports to actualize that goal.

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