Child Development Associate
Founded in 1985, the Council for Professional Recognition is a nonprofit organization located in Washington, DC. The Council promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in early childhood care and education — the people who work with children from birth through five years of age in early childhood centers, family child care homes, and as home visitors.
In keeping with its goal to meet the growing need for qualified child care staff, the Council administers the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing Program. The CDA Program is designed to assess and credential early childhood care and education professionals based on performance.
A Child Development Associate (CDA) is an individual who has successfully completed the CDA assessment process and has been awarded the CDA Credential. CDAs are able to meet the specific needs of children and work with parents and other adults to nurture children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework. A CDA performs according to the CDA Competency Goals in center-based, home visitor or family child care programs.
Earning the CDA Credential has many advantages, including motivating caregivers toward continuing education and providing a platform for professional and career opportunities. Many view the CDA Credential as an instrument for career advancement in the early childhood care and education profession.
The Council sets the policies and procedures for assessment and credentialing, publishes the Competency Standards and other material used for CDA credentialing, and administers the assessment. The Council works to ensure that it is a credible and valid credential, recognized by the profession as a vital part of a coordinated system of professional development.
For more information please contact:
Education/Training Manager
1 Orchard Road, Wheeling, WV 26003
304-233-3290, Extension 5019