Sanford Health

Child Development Associate (CDA)

What is CDA?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) is an individual who has successfully completed a CDA assessment and has been awarded the CDA credential.

The Child Development Enrichment Program at Sanford Children’s CHILD Services is an approved training site for those who are pursuing their CDA.

The CDA credential is a nationally recognized early childhood professional credential awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition based in Washington DC.

Childcare providers who earn the CDA credential have attended 120 hours of training and have demonstrated their ability to nurture young children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth.

CHILD Services offers classes to provide child care providers the 120 hours of training needed to earn their CDA credential.
 

The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition

The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition is the home of the CDA program.

Click here for the CDA Council website
 

Starting CDA

CDA classes are held every Monday night from 6:30-9:00pm, January through May. Registration forms along with $95 registration fee can be sent to CHILD Services at 1115 W. 41st Sioux Falls, SD 57105.

Click here for the CDA Registration form

You can request a CDA information packet by contacting our office at 333-0698 or email at childsrv@sanfordhealth.org. Applicants may choose to start classes in January or September.

To access CHILD services contact us at (605) 333-0698 or email us at childsrv@sanfordhealth.org

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CDA Documentation Requirements

Professional Resource File

Prepared by candidate. Provides picture of what information candidate finds valuable. Provides candidate an important experience in locating resources.

Autobiography

About 300 words. Written statement about candidate.

Statements of Competence

200 to 500 words for each goal. Description of things candidate does with children and families. States goals or objectives for children and gives specific examples of what candidate does to achieve those goals.

  1. Establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment
  2. Advance physical and intellectual competence
  3. Support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance
  4. Establish positive and productive relationships with families
  5. Ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs
  6. Maintain a commitment to professionalism

Resource Collection

  • A collection of 17 items that early childhood professionals use in their work with young children and their families. A list of websites, books, and community resources.

Parent Opinion Questionnaire

  • Parent perceptions about a candidate’s skills and knowledge.
  • Need a minimum of 75% of parents participating

Formal Observation by Advisor

  • Candidate is observed while working with young children

7/31/2008

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