Child Development Associate Certificate
This 120-hour program can be articulated to 6 college credits for the following two 3-credit courses upon completion of the CDA Credential and matriculation at Bucks County Community College in the Early Childhood Education Program if student work is deemed appropriate by our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) department.
- EDUC 105 Foundations for Early Learning (PreK-4)
- EDUC 120 Early Learning and Development I
Instructor: Brigitte Hix, M.A. PQAS Certified Child Development Associate
The Early Childhood Education Credential prepares you to become a successful educator of our children during their most important formative years. You will learn the benefits of earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, identify the qualities needed to be a successful candidate, understand the history, review the 6 Competency Standards, learn the CDANAEYC Connection, know the components of the Professional Resource Binder.
The Child Development Associate Credential focuses on 6 Competency Goals and 13 Functional Areas which encompasses 8 Subject Areas:
• Subject Area 1: Planning a safe, healthy learning environment
• Subject Area 2: Advancing physical and intellectual competence
• Subject Area 3: Support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance
• Subject Area 4: Building productive relationships with family
• Subject Area 5: Ensure a well-run and purposeful program
• Subject Area 6: Maintain a commitment to professionalism
• Subject Area 7: Observing and recording children’s behavior
• Subject Area 8: Understanding principles of child development
Introduction to CDA Credential - FREE Info Session WSMCE 3260 C01
Join us for a FREE information session via Zoom to learn more about the program. Please pre-register for the information session by calling 215-968-8409.
During the information session you will learn:
- Why the CDA is the “Best First Step”?
- Steps to prepare, apply and earn your CDA Credential
- What is a Professional Portfolio?
- Advantages of choosing either Face to Face or online learning.
Attending the information session counts for 3 hours towards Credential.
Child Development Credential WSMCE 3201 C50
No class week of 4/14 6:00pm - 9:00pm
CDA Certificate Program
The 120 hours of the CDA program will focus on the following subject areas and will prepare you to take the national CDA assessment:
• Subject Area 1: Planning a safe, healthy learning environment.
• Subject Area 2: Advancing physical and intellectual competence.
• Subject Area 3: Support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance.
• Subject Area 4: Building productive relationships with family.
• Subject Area 5: Ensure a well-run and purposeful program.
• Subject Area 6: Maintain a commitment to professionalism.
• Subject Area 7: Observing and recording children’s behavior.
• Subject Area 8: Understanding Principles of child development.
Please see our website at www.bucks.edu/cda or contact coned@bucks.edu. For information about the CDA Assessment, please go to the website for the Council for Professional Recognition at cdacouncil.org.
**(HyFlex class optional for out of area residents)
To register for CDA classes, call the registration office at 215-968-8409. For information about the CDA Assessment, please visit the Council for Professional Recognition's website.
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. For further information, please check the Council for Professional Recognition’s website.
For information about the CDA Assessment, visit the Council for Professional Recognition's website.
CDA Center Coach Certificate WSMCE-3202-C01
2/5 - 4/2
A coach for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential plays a crucial role in supporting candidates through the process of earning their CDA.
1. Help candidates understand the CDA requirements, guiding them through the application process, and mentoring them in their professional development.
2. Observe candidates in their work with children, providing constructive feedback, and helping them improve their teaching practices to meet CDA standards..
3. Assist candidates in compiling their professional portfolio, which includes documentation of their work, reflective statements, and resource collections.
4. Prepare candidates for the CDA exam and the verification visit, ensuring they are confident and ready to demonstrate their competency.
5. Work with candidates to set professional goals and develop action plans to achieve them, fostering
continuous improvement and growth.
6. Provide encouragement and support throughout the process, helping candidates stay motivated and
overcome challenges.