CDA Open House Erin O’Hanlon, Instructor
May 16, 2015
CDA Open HouseErin O’Hanlon, Instructor
What is the Child Development Associate Certification?
• Nationally recognized certification
• Additional education and standards for Early Childhood Education
• Allows candidate to be a group teacher in NJ
What is the Child Development Associate Certification?
• 120 clock hours (60 in class, 60 out of class)• Candidates petition the CDA Council in
Washington for the Assessment• Includes comprehensive assessment process:
– Oral examination– multiple choice test– portfolio review– parent questionnaires– Observation by advisor
What are the Advantages of having a CDA?
• Able to get group teacher certification
• Able to be Owner/Director of Licensed Center (with additional Master Teacher)
• Advancement within Child Care Centers
• Able to work as Aide within Public School Setting (with para-professional test)
What is the Cost for CDA?
• Tuition, paid to ACWC, is $975
• Tuition includes: – Books– Materials– Application Packet
• The Assessment Fee, paid to the CDA Council in Washington, is $325
• Tuition does not include CPR/First Aid
What are the options for payment?
• ACWC offers a payment plan, which is $195 per month, for 5 months
• Abbott School District scholarships• Reimbursement Scholarship• Assessment Fee Scholarship• Post TANF Training Fund (4 months employed)• Community Scholarships (pageant/church/civic
organizations)• Employers Supported Tuition!
How Does ACWC’s CDA Class Work?
• Offered on Saturdays, 9 – 2 pm
• 12 weeks
• 60 hours in the classroom
• 60 hours out of the classroom
• Important to have a computer with internet access, even a friend’s or the library’s
• Portfolio is completed as part of the out of class work
How Does ACWC’s CDA Class Work?
• Typically provided at ACWC’s Administrative Offices in Linwood
• Book, materials and application packet included
• Expect 1 hour of homework per night
• Curriculum is college quality
I want to take the CDA, so now what?
• Complete the application in the packet
• Include the setting of your choice
• Payment on the first day of training
• If employer is paying, letter is necessary
• Come to training!
Thank You.• Questions and Answers
• Any additional questions, contact Erin O’Hanlon at 601-9925, ext. 201