Your CDA Training Guide to Success

In this CDA Training Guide, you will find valuable CDA resources you won’t find anywhere else. Our purpose is to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to arrive at your goal: a CDA credential.

ProSolutions Training was one of the first to receive CDA® Gold Standard Certification from the Council for Professional Recognition. This is because our online coursework is high-quality and interactive. We also provide helpful support services for students. Our learning management system also offers a great user experience.

YOUR CDA ROADMAP TO SUCCESS

Eligibility Requirements

When you join ProSolutions Training, you do more than only sign up for a training program. You become part of a community committed to your success. 

We will guide you every step of the way towards earning your CDA Credential™. 

To qualify for a CDA certificate, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You must have a high school diploma/GED or current enrollment in a career/technical program.
• Before you apply, you must have 480 hours of experience working with children in the past three years.
• When you take our online CDA coursework, you will get 120 hours of training. The training covers eight CDA subject areas.

Earning a CDA credential can lead to new opportunities, but it can be a struggle to find time for classes. With online training, you can complete CDA classes at your own pace. All while working towards your career advancement. 

Benefits of CDA Training with ProSolutions Training

• Affordable and flexible courses. Our courses are affordable and cover everything you need for your CDA certification. Courses are available 24/7, and you can take them in any order at your own pace.
• Free resources. When you take a course, you get extra materials like book lists and classroom ideas. Examples of these free resources include:
  • Books to Help Grow Self-Esteem
  • Sample - Fine Motor Skills Chart
  • Math Vocabulary for Young Children
• State-approved coursework. Most state regulatory agencies have reviewed and approved our online coursework. Head Start staff can also use our CDA coursework to meet their training requirements. For information on coursework approval in your state, visit our approvals page.
• Accessibility. Training coursework is available in English and in Spanish. Head Start staff can use our CDA coursework to meet Head Start training requirements.
• Special support.ProSolutions Training provides more support to maximize your training experience. You can expect:
  • A review course at the end of each subject area to help you remember the key elements in that subject area
  • Advice about the CDA competency goals and resource collection requirements
  • Access to two more courses: Your Journey to the CDA Credential: Let's Get Started! and Creating a Dynamite Professional Portfolio!, which review the requirements for a CDA credential and provide practical advice on how to assemble your application

CDA Application Process

After finishing the necessary courses, it's time to apply for your CDA.

First, buy the CDA Competency Standards Book from the Council for Professional Recognition. This book shares the steps required to prepare for the application process.

This includes:

• Preparation of the Professional Portfolio. A collection of resources.
• Reflective Statements of Competence. Using, at key points, the resources you collected.
• Professional Philosophy Statement. A summary of your viewpoint. Takes into account learning that occurred when preparing the Professional Portfolio.
• Family Questionnaires. Given to the families of children in your care. The questionnaires highlight areas of strength as well as areas of growth.

Next, complete the Council for Professional Recognition's application, either online or on paper. The CDA Certification cost is $425 for online applications. Or $500 for paper applications. CDA candidates save $75 by applying online!

When you apply, you can select a CDA Professional Development Specialist from the Council's online list. This person will observe you working with young children as part of the process.

Finally, you need to schedule and take your CDA test at a Pearson Vue Testing Center.

Get Started on Your CDA Training Today

Now that you are only a step away from realizing your dream, why wait? Start the journey today with online CDA Training with ProSolutions Training.

Choosing ProSolutions Training means choosing a seamless and rewarding CDA training experience. Embark on this exciting journey and shape a brighter future, one child at a time.

Renewing Your CDA

Upon initial completion, your CDA credential is valid for three years. After that, you'll need to renew the CDA credential, so it remains valid. The renewal process helps educators stay knowledgeable about advancements in early childhood education.

ProSolutions Training offers CDA Renewal Training coursework to help you meet the CDA Renewal requirements.

Select your setting type below to get started.

Your CDA Renewal Checklist

1. Purchase a Renewal Packet from the Council. The packet includes the information and documents you need to begin your CDA renewal application, including the application form, recommendation form and waiver request form.
2. Gather required documentation. All renewal candidates must meet the following five criteria:
• Documented proof of a current Red Cross or other agency Pediatric First Aid Certificate, which must include (1) treatment for blocked airway and (2) rescue breathing for infants and young children.
• Documented proof of at least 4.5 continuing education units (CEUs) or a three-credit-hour course in early childhood education/child development, principles of adult learning, mental health counseling, etc. These hours must be in addition to the original 120 clock-hours completed to obtain the CDA credential. Bilingual CDAs must meet this requirement with coursework incorporating bilingual issues.
• Documented proof of a minimum of 80 hours of work experience within the past year. This should be a letter on official letterhead from a supervisor. See example.
• A completed Letter of Recommendation Form regarding the CDA candidate's competence with young children prepared by an early childhood education (ECE) reviewer. The ECE reviewer must meet Council eligibility requirements..
• Documented proof of current membership in a national or local early childhood professional organization. For a list of such organizations, see the Council's website.
3. Apply for the CDA renewal. Once you meet all of the requirements, you are ready to fill out and submit your CDA renewal application. You may submit your renewal application no sooner than 90 days before your credential expiration date.