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:
- Planning a safe and healthy learning environment
- Advancing children's physical and intellectual development
- Supporting children's social and emotional development
- Building productive relationships with families
- Managing an effective program
- Maintaining a Commitment to Professionalism
- Observing and Recording Behavior
- Understanding the Principle of child development and learning
Introduction to CDA Credential - 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 215-969-8409.
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
10/4-1/17/24
no class 12/27 6:30pm - 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
For further information, please check the Council for Professional Recognition’s. Please see our website at www.bucks.edu/cda for more information about the CDA program. For information about the CDA Assessment, please go to the website for the Council for Professional Recognition at cdacouncil.org.
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.
Reimbursement
Members of the Keystone Stars can apply for a 90 percent tuition refund and the $325 assessment fee for the CDA assessment. Please note that reimbursement is subject to the availability of funds. Tuition vouchers are available on the PA Keys website.