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