Expert advice from a "personal mentor” to lead you through the new CDA process
Major changes have been made to the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ process. This guide has been updated to reflect all of the new material and requirements to help you reach your educational and career goals as you earn the Credential.

This third edition of The CDA Prep Guide has designated center-based preschool, center-based infant/toddler, and family child care sections, with information specific to each setting. Throughout this book, easy-to-understand assistance, as well as sample documents and forms, will help simplify the required tasks of CDA documentation and assessment as you:


Assemble the Resource Collection for your Professional Portfolio
Compose the six Reflective Statements of Competence
Distribute and collect the Family Questionnaires
Select a Professional Development Specialist
Prepare yourself and your setting for the observation
Complete the application
Prepare for the CDA Exam
Prepare for the Verification Visit

This book is intended to supplement the materials you receive from the Council for Professional Recognition. After receiving your CDA Credential, you can continue to use this book to renew your credential, to earn a CDA for a different setting, and to develop goals for future professional development.

Table of ContentsIntroduction About the Third EditionPursuing a CDA CredentialHow to Use This Guide1. Facts about the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and Process What is a CDA?Why is Getting a CDA Important?Who Can Apply for a CDA?What Kind of Formal Child Care Education is Needed?Is Financial Assistance Available to Help Pay for My Training?Do I have to Provide Some Kind of Proof That I Had This Training?Are There Different Types of CDA Endorsements?The CDA ProcessThe Professional Development Specialist2. A Word to Center-based Program Directors: Supporting Your CDA CandidatesAnswers to Questions That Center Directors Frequently Ask3. Preparing for the CDA ProcessOrganizing the Professional Portfolio binderDistributing and Collecting the Parent QuestionnairesReviewing the Family Questionnaires4. CDA Process: Center-based PreschoolThe Resource Collection Writing the Reflective Statements of CompetenceWriting the Philosophy StatementCompleting and Submitting the CDA Application 5. CDA Process: Center-based Infant/ToddlerThe Resource CollectionWriting the Reflective Statements of CompetenceWriting the Philosophy StatementCompleting and Submitting the CDA Application6. CDA Process: Family Child CareThe Resource CollectionWriting the Reflective Statements of CompetenceWriting the Philosophy StatementCompleting and Submitting the CDA Application7. Preparing for the CDA ExamArranging to Take the CDA ExamPractice Questions for the CDA ExamPractice Scenarios8. The Verification VisitSchedulingPreparing for the Observation- Conducting a Self-StudyWhat Happens at the Verification Visit?9. Award of the CDA CredentialWhere Do You Go from Here?10. CDA Renewal and Earning a CDA Credential for a Different SettingHow Often Must My CDA Be Renewed?Getting a Renewal PacketWhat's Involved in the Renewal Process?What Happens After the Council Receives My Renewal Application?Earning a CDA Credential for a Different SettingAppendix ACDA Subject Areas for the 120 Clock Hours of TrainingAppendix BSample Observation Tool (Anecdotal Record Form)Appendix CSample Weekly Plan for InfantsAppendix D Sample Weekly Plans for Preschoolers and ToddlersAppendix EProfessional Philosophy ExerciseGlossaryReferencesSubject Index