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Course Overview

The Child Development Associate (CDA) course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to earn the nationally-recognized CDA credential. This course covers the key competencies outlined by the Council for Professional Recognition and prepares students to work with children birth through age 5 in a variety of early childhood education settings. Taught by experienced early childhood educators, this course combines engaging lectures, hands-on activities, and practical exercises to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of child development, learning environments, developmental appropriate practices, and more.

Benefits of Earning your CDA

  • Nationally-recognized credential for early childhood educators

  • Improved job opportunities and earning potential

  • Deepened knowledge of child development and best practices

  • Ability to provide developmentally appropriate care

  • Greater confidence in your skills as an early childhood educator

CDA Requirements

  • The Council for Professional Recognition requires 120 hours of coursework (covered in this course)

  • A minimum of a high school diploma/GED or current enrollment in a high school career/technical program

  • 480 hours of professional experience working (gained while completing this course)

  • Verification visit from a CDA PD Specialist and Submission of CDA assessment portfolio (created during this course)

  • Completion of application and fee payment to Council for Professional Recognition (fee not included in course payment)

  • Pass the CDA exam

  • Earn your CDA!

Course Information

  • Price: $399 per person (includes all books and supplies)

  • 126 Total Hours of Instruction

    • 120 hours covering 6 CDA Competency Areas and 8 Subject Areas

    • Plus 6 hours of Behavior Coaching

  • Choose your Track:

    • Infant/Toddler

    • Preschool

  • Course Attendance Options:

    • In-Person Location: 2102 Roosevelt Dr., Suite F, Dalworthington Gardens, TX 76013

    • Online: Live session via Zoom

  • Mock CDA Exam

  • Portfolio review and support by our CDA PD Specialist (included)

Course Schedule

  • Complete in just 4 months!

  • Class Days:

    • 18 Tuesday Evenings from 6:30-9:30 PM

      • March: 5th, 19th, 26th

      • April: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

      • May: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th

      • June 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

      • July 2nd, 9th

    • 2 Saturday Mornings from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

      • April 27, 2024

      • June 15, 2024

  • Course Starts: March 5, 2024

  • Course Ends: July 9, 2024

  • Register By: March 1, 2024

Apply for a CDA Scholarship

The Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC) offers CDA Scholarships to cover the costs of the CDA assessment fee and reimburse students for the costs of a CDA preparation course. This scholarship opportunity can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

To be eligible, you must be employed or planning to work in an early care and education program in Texas that serves children birth through age 5. Scholarship recipients receive coverage of their $425 CDA assessment fee plus reimbursement for course tuition, books, and fees for a CDA preparation class up to $1000.

There are requirements to fulfill as part of accepting the scholarship, including completing your CDA within 12 months and remaining employed in the ECE field in Texas for a designated time period after earning the credential. Restrictions apply.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to earn your nationally-recognized CDA with financial assistance from TXAEYC. Apply today!

For other states, you can find information on applying for a CDA Scholarship here:

https://www.cdacouncil.org/find-cda-scholarships/

Take advantage of this great opportunity to earn your nationally-recognized CDA with financial assistance.

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