Child Development Associate Certificate Program (CDA)

A Child Development Associate (CDA) is an individual who has successfully completed a CDA Assessment and has been awarded the CDA Credential. S/he meets the specific needs of children and works with parents and other adults to nurture children's physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth in a child development framework.

The Credential is awarded for three child care settings:

  1. Center-based, for which Candidates receive endorsements to work with infants and toddlers or preschool children;
  2. Family Child Care; and
  3. Home Visitor

For information about the CDA Assessment, please go to the website for the Council for Professional Recognition at www.cdacouncil.org.

Please Note: Students must be 18 years of age and have a high school or GED diploma in order to enroll in the CDA program.

Reimbursement: Anyone who is a member of a Keystone Stars site can apply for a 90% tuition refund and the $325 assessment fee for the CDA assessment. Please Note: Reimbursement is subject to the availability of funds. Tuition vouchers are available on the Key website www.pakeys.org under professional development.

A materials list will be mailed prior to first class, approximate cost $60. The same book and packet will be used for Part I and Part II.

CDA Part I

These first 60 hours of the CDA program will focus on Professionalism in childcare; Principles of Child Development and Learning; and the Physical, Intellectual, Social and Emotional Development of children, infants through pre-school. (A materials list will be mailed prior to first class, approximate cost $80)

Lower Bucks Campus/$329/ WSMCE 3231 C50/ 20 Tu, 1/5-5/18, 6:30-9:30 pm,
Sandra Anthony, M.A., PQAS certified

Hybrid Online/$329/ WSMCE 3231 C20 2/26-5/14, (Required orientation at Newtown Campus 2/26, 6:30-9:30 pm, plus two on-site classes to be determined)
Brigitte Hix, M.A., PQAS certified

CDA Part II

The second 60 hours of the CDA program will prepare you to take the national CDA assessment, and will focus on Planning a Safe, Healthy, Learning Environment; Observation of young children; Working with Families; and Program Management. This program is non-sequential; CDA Part I is not required to register for this course.

CDA Renewal

Teachers, if you wish to renew your CDA Credential you must receive a minimum of 4.5 CEUs for 45 additional hours of coursework in early childhood education. This must be completed within three years of receiving your initial Credential, and every five years thereafter. (see details)