CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE CREDENTIAL (CDA)
Explore earning your CDA
Program Description
The CDA-Ready Certificate prepares students to complete the educational and portfolio components required for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Through 120 hours of professional learning across the certificate courses, students develop knowledge and skills aligned with the six CDA Competency Standards while building a professional portfolio in preparation for credential review.
Graduates of the certificate will be prepared to complete the final stages of the CDA process, including the CDA Exam and CDA Verification Visit. The certificate also serves as a valuable professional credential pathway for individuals pursuing careers in early childhood education.
Upon successful completion of the certificate, students should be able to:
- Apply developmentally appropriate practices that support children's learning and development.
- Examine health and safety practices that promote safe, healthy early care and education environments.
- Demonstrate professionalism consistent with early childhood education standards.
- Compile a CDA Professional Portfolio that is ready for credential review.
Students can complete CDA preparation courses offered by NPRC. The 120 hours are broken into three distinctive courses, which may be taken in any order to allow the student's flexibility and choice. The three courses are:
- ECE 100: CDA Preparation I: Learning Foundations
- ECE 101: CDA Preparation II: Family & Program Practices
- ECE 102: CDA Preparation III: Professional Practice
Students in CDA preparation courses are not only awarded academic credit at NPRC, but they are also awarded 40 hours per course within the Pennsylvania Professional Development Registry. Students who earn their CDA credential with this option may request up to nine Prior Learning Credits (PLC) towards NPRC’s Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education or Associate of Arts in Education Studies.
What You'll Learn
CDA Credential
Students preparing for their CDA Credential will:
Reflect upon person experiences of working within a childcare environment and discuss with peers in relation to the course content
Research family support agencies in their local community
Generate ideas for learning activities at the infant, toddler, and preschool levels
Plan healthy meal calendars for children
Sketch out floor plans for an early learning classroom to include areas for rest, eating, play, and exploring early learning manipulatives
Practice communication strategies for early learning professionals and families.
Career Outlook in Child Development
Career opportunities include an assistant teacher, paraprofessional (teacher’s aide), group supervisor, school-aged childcare, and community organization staff. In some cases, individuals with a CDA may be a home childcare program owner or operator, and a lea teacher in some settings.
There are 5,690 projected annual job openings in Pennsylvania for Childcare Workers. (O*Net OnLine)
There are 220 projected annual job openings in Pennsylvania for Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool, and Daycare. (O*Net OnLine)
There are 4,630 projected annual job openings in Pennsylvania for Teaching Assistants (Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School).
For students looking to continue their education beyond a CDA may request up to nine Prior Learning Credits (PLC) towards NPRC’s Associate of Applied Sciences in Early Childhood Education. Other regional institutions may also award PLC for a CDA.
Explore More
Related Programs
Early Childhood Education
This program provides students with knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with guiding the social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development of children from birth to age ten in a variety of settings. Individuals currently holding a CDA credential may receive prior learning credit toward degree requirements.
Paraeducators Pathway Program
This program establishes foundational business knowledge, skills, and abilities for increased marketability. Students have the opportunity to select between two specializations: General Business or Business Information Systems. General business courses are designed to go beyond the foundational level of information, while the business information systems track equips students with skills in technology, data, and information systems.
Childcare Director Credential
This program specialization can be pursued as part of the attainment of the Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, or as a standalone set of three courses for individuals who already have an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in early childhood education.
Child Development Associate (CDA) FAQ's
See What Our Students Have to Say
“It was a wonderful experience here at NPRC. My instructor was knowledgeable and made sure that everything we needed was uploaded online. He also communicated very well with us.and held us accountable to make sure we were learning and ready. I enjoyed working alongside my amazing classmates and all the different experiences they brought to the course. Everyone in our class was eager to learn and was proactive about staying up to date on what is being asked of us.”
- Marie, NPRC EMT Graduate
“Attending NPRC was truly life-changing for me and provided a foundation to pursue my passion for early childhood education. I gained the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field. But it was bigger than just academics; my professors taught me valuable life lessons and instilled important values that have shaped who I am today. Overall, my college journey has not only prepared me for a successful career but has also equipped me with the mindset and tools to make a positive impact on the lives of young children.”
- Brittany, Early Childhood Education Graduate
“I had a fear that this degree would be unobtainable due to being a full-time employee and mother. With the support of family, friends, coworkers, and NPRC, I’ve gained confidence and support to continue my education.”
- Brittney, NPRC Student
“From the first time I found out about NPRC, I knew attending college was something I wanted to pursue because of how genuine the first interaction was. I’m proof that finding the right path can be done. It’s worth it to find ways out of situations you do not want to be in for better ones. I can’t say enough about how NPRC’s employees have empowered and advocated for me.”
- Amanda, NPRC Student
"NPRC’s faculty, staff, and professors do everything they can to see the students succeed and provide us with exactly what we need to do our best both inside the classroom and out. The early childhood education program is phenomenal. It was a school that aided me in balancing class, schoolwork, and my career. From the start and throughout my time, NPRC made me feel like I was at the right place.”
- Savannah, Early Childhood Education Graduate
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