The CDA program at Child Care Resources is an accessible, cost effective, hybrid learning approach on a user-friendly online platform. You can obtain your 120 professional development hours combined with monthly, face-to-face coaching from our CDA coach, Cindy Terebush, (certified Professional Coach and Youth, Parent, Family Coach).  Cindy is a CDA Professional Development Specialist and Lead Instructor and a New Jersey Workforce Registry Approved Trainer and Technical Assistance Specialist throughout the State of New Jersey.

The CDA is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement!  Obtaining your CDA is an essential asset to the children you serve and also assists with meeting Grow NJ Kids Standards 4.3.8, 4.3.9, 4.4.2 and 4.5.3.

CDA Requirements

• High school diploma or a current high school junior or senior enrolled in a child development career/technical program
• 120 hours of self-paced online learning. Subject area requirements are outlined by the CDA coach for simple navigation
• 480 hours of experience working with young children within 3 years of applying for the credential
• Prepare your CDA Professional Portfolio (complete within 6 months of applying)
• Take the CDA exam after applying for the CDA credential
• Verification visit by a CDA Professional Development Specialist after applying for the CDA credential and after completing the portfolio.

CDA With Child Care Resources…

• Complete 120 hours of online training
• Develop and build your portfolio
• Participate in monthly coaching sessions which include an individualized monthly phone session and one session per month for two hours in-person at Child Care Resources’ office.
• Knowledge assessments
• CDA exam preparation
• Peer discussions
• Opportunities to ask questions
• Progress checks with CDA Coach
• Guidance through the CDA Application Process

CDA Costs

• $600 fee to Child Care Resources for CDA online coursework and coaching for one year access
• $30 for required Competency Standards Book (must order from https://store.cdacouncil.org/)
• $49 for required CDA textbook (must order from https://store.cdacouncil.org/)
• $425 online application fee to the CDA Council (after coursework and portfolio completion)
• Scholarships available for those who qualify

Optional Items

• $95 for the CDA textbook and or/workbook that can be bundled with the Competency Standards Book
• $25 for the Easycda.com Portfolio Binder