Child Development Associate Certificate
The Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
Instructor: Brigitte Hix, M.A. PQAS Certified Child Development Associate
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 Department.
To learn more about Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) visit the website at: Prior Learning Assessment | Bucks County Community College
- EDUC 105 Foundations for Early Learning (PreK-4)
- EDUC 120 Early Learning and Development I
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:
1. Planning a safe and healthy learning environment
2. Advancing children's physical and intellectual development
3. Supporting children's social and emotional development
4. Building productive relationships with families
5. Managing an effective program
6. Maintaining a Commitment to Professionalism
7. Observing and Recording Behavior
8. Understanding the Principle of child development and learning
INTRODUCTION TO CDA CREDENTIAL - FREE INFO SESSION WSMCE 3260 C01
Want to learn more about the program. Please join us for a FREE Live Online information session via Zoom.
You must pre-register for the information session. Call 215-969-8409 to register or register online.
At 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 toward Credential.
Child Development Credential - Live Online WSMCE 3201 C01
(no class July 5) 6:30pm - 9:30pm
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
For further information, please check the Council for ProfessionalRecognition’s Please see our website at www.bucks.edu/cda for more information about the CDA program. For information aboutthe CDA Assessment, please go to the website for the Council for Professional Recognition at cdacouncil.org.
To register for the CDA classes, call the registration office at 215-968-8409. For information about the CDA Assessment, please go to the website for the Council for Professional Recognition at cdacouncil.org.
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 at www.cdacouncil.org.
For information about the CDA Assessment, please go to the website for the Council for Professional Recognition at www.cdacouncil.org.
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 Keys website www.pakeys.org under professional development.