The Child Development Associate (CDA)Fact Sheet

Explanation

• The CDA is a credential that can be earned by persons interested in working with young children. Head Start requires...to have this credential.
• The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition operates the CDA credentialing program as a major national effort to improve the quality of child care.
• The Council's program focuses on improving the skills of child care providers. The program provides performance-based training, assessment, and credentials to child care staff, home visitors, and family child care providers.
• The Council awards CDA credentials to those who successfully complete the CDA assessment process.

Financial Aid

• There is financial aid available for CDA fees for qualified applicants.
• The Scholarship Assistance Program provides qualified candidates with the financial means to complete some components of the credentialing process. Scholarships may cover application and assessment fees and some training costs.
• Those interested in obtaining assistance must contact the appropriate state agency. State agency representatives can offer information about the income eligibility guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Labor and assist applicants in determining if they qualify for aid. Contact the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition, address below, to obtain the names of the CDA Scholarship Act State Administrative Agencies.

Applying for CDA Credentials

For further information about the CDA Credential, contact:

Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition
1341 G Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005-3105
Phone: 202-265-9090 or toll free at 800-424-4310
Internet: http://www.cdacouncil.org