Inquiry Form: CDA Credential Programs

01/22/2021 - 01/22/2022

Description

Trying Together offers three CDA programs that include individualized support for professionals in Pennsylvania. These programs include Trying Together’s CDA Credential Preparation Program, CDA Community of Practice Program, and CDA Renewal Program. More information about each program is available below. 

Please note that this form is utilized for inquiry purposes only and is only available to individuals in Pennsylvania. Please review each CDA program type before submitting this form and identify which program best fits your educational needs. After completing the form, a member of our staff will contact you to determine your eligibility. Requests for information are answered on a first-come, first-served basis.

 


 

CDA Credential Preparation Program

Trying Together’s Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Preparation Program offers 135 hours of professional development over the course of six to nine months focused on practice knowledge and skills early learning professionals need to become credentialed. Program participants can matriculate up to nine course credits at Carlow University once they obtain their credential. 

Program Details

Through the program, early learning professionals:

  • focus on Competency Standards and Best Practices that support healthy early development in young children,
  • complete online coursework,
  • receive support from an experienced instructor, and
  • will be eligible to receive a nationally recognized credential upon completion.

A limited number of computers are available for individuals who do not have access to a computer at home. These devices must be returned at the end of the program.

Eligibility Requirements 

To be eligible for this program, individuals must:

  • reside in the state of Pennsylvania,
  • have obtained a high school diploma or GED,
  • work in a Keystone STARS early learning program, and
  • work a minimum average of 25 hours per week over an entire work year (during non-COVID times).  

CDA Credential Community of Practice Program

Trying Together’s CDA Credential Community of Practice (CoP) Program is intended for individuals who have completed the necessary hours and requirements for a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. During the Community of Practice Program, participants will explore the current theory, research, and best practices related to early childhood. Participants will also focus on the completion of the CDA Credential portfolio requirements, as well as preparation for the CDA Credential exam. 

This program includes a range of teaching methods, including distance learning, synchronous class sessions, classroom activities, whole group and small group discussions, weekly assignments, and assigned videos. A limited number of computers are available for individuals who do not have access to a computer at home. These devices must be returned at the end of the program. 

Program Objectives

During the program, Trying Together staff will assist participants in completing the following program objectives:

  • Participants will understand in detail the 13 functional areas of the CDA and how they relate to Competency Standards in Pennsylvania.
  • Participants will demonstrate their knowledge by building a portfolio using the CDA Competency Standards and additional resources.
  • Participants will prepare for the CDA Credential exam by reflecting on the essentials structured around the competency standards and functional areas. 
  • Participants will complete the application process for the Council of Recognition CDA exam. 
Eligibility Requirements 

To be eligible for this program, individuals must:

  • be employed at a Pennsylvania Keystone STARS affiliated early childhood program, school, or agency,
  • have completed at least 80 hours of professional development training OR completed nine credits in an early childhood education program at an accredited college (transcripts are strongly recommended),
  • have completed or will complete at least 480 hours of work in an early childhood program, school, agency, or therapeutic setting by the end of the CoP program,
  • have obtained a high school diploma or GED, and
  • have the following clearances up-to-date while meeting the local requirements of the field placement site: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance, and National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Clearance. 

CDA Credential Renewal Program

Trying Together’s CDA Credential Renewal Program offers support to early learning professionals in Pennsylvania who are interested in renewing their CDA Credential. Facilitated through distance learning, participants will be required to complete online course materials via Schoology and attend live Zoom meetings on a weekly basis. A limited number of computers are available for individuals who do not have access to a computer at home. These devices must be returned at the end of the program. 

Program Details

Program participants will complete the following learning objectives:

  • Participants will review the current early childhood health and safety standards.
  • Participants will review current literature and resources that focus on the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development of children ages birth to six years old. 
  • Participants will review strategies on how to build positive relationships with families that are guided by the current professional standards for working with infants, toddlers, and pre-kindergarten children and their families. 
  • Participants will review materials and strategies for implementing observations and assessments in the classroom that support each child’s development and learning. 
  • Participants will learn technical skills that are relevant to program management and continuous professional development. 
  • Upon completion of the course, participants will meet the criteria for eight early childhood subject areas. 
Eligibility Requirements 

To be eligible for this program, individuals must:

  • have a current Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential that will expire in six months or less,
  • be employed at an early childhood program, school, agency, or therapeutic setting in Pennsylvania,
  • have completed at least 45 hours of professional development training, 4.5 CEUs, OR a three-credit hour college course in eligible subject areas from the time they received their CDA Credential through the CDA Credential expiration date (within the last three years),
  • have completed at least 80 hours of work experience at an early childhood program, school, agency, or therapeutic setting (within the last year),
  • have a current First Aid and Infant and Child (Pediatric) CPR certification, and
  • have the following clearances up-to-date while meeting the local requirements of the field placement site: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance, and National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Clearance.

View the full CDA Renewal Process Overview Infographic

 


 

Request More Information

Please note that this form is utilized for inquiry purposes only and is only available to individuals in Pennsylvania. After submitting this form, a member of our staff will reach out to you to determine your eligibility. Requests for information will be answered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

More Information 

For more information about each program, please visit Trying Together's CDA Credential page. For questions, please contact Theresa Hetler at theresa@tryingtogether.org, Lindsey Vicoria at lindseyv@tryingtogether.org, or Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

 

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