Prior to beginning the NSU CDA Online training you
must purchase the CDA Assessment System and Competency Standards booklet
from the Council for Professional Recognition, 1-800-424-4310, www.cdacouncil.org.
To be awarded the national CDA credential you must complete all the
steps required by the national program, and pay the credentialing fee
to the Council for Professional Recognition.
The Council for Professional Recognition, a national credentialing
program for early childhood practitioners, administers the Child Development
Associate. The goal of the CDA program is to enhance the quality of
child care by defining quality standards and credentialing CDA candidates
who have demonstrated their ability to meet and/or exceed these standards.
The CDA Competency Standards define the knowledge and skills needed
to function as caregivers in different child care settings, including
infant-toddler and preschool center-based settings, and family child
care programs.
The CDA Competency Standards are the core of the CDA program. These
standards consist of six goals covering 13 Functional Areas. The Competency
Goals form the framework of the program, while the Functional Areas
describe tasks and skills necessary for caregivers to meet the needs
of young children.
CDA Competency Goals and Functional Areas
|
CDA Competency Goals |
Functional Areas |
| 1. To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning
environment. |
1. Safe
2. Healthy
3. Learning Environment |
| 2. To advance physical and intellectual competence. |
4. Physical
5. Cognitive
6. Communication
7. Creative |
| 3. To support social and emotional development and
to provide positive guidance. |
8. Self
9. Social
10. Guidance |
| 4. To establish positive and productive relationships
with families. |
11. Families |
| 5. To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive
to participant needs. |
12. Program Management |
| 6. To maintain a commitment to professionalism. |
13. Professionalism. |
|
