Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

What is the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential?

The CDA credential is a national credential for individuals working in the early child care and education field. Available for preschool, infant/toddler, or family child care, the CDA program is designed to enhance the quality of child care by increasing and recognizing the competence of those who care for young children. This new state requirement will enhance the quality of education provided by head starts and preschools.

Who needs to have their CDA credential?

If you work as an assistant in a head start of voluntary preschool program for four year olds, you need to have started the CDA credential process by 2011.

Who is eligible for the CDA credential?

If you are interested in receiving the CDA credential you must:

• be 18 years of age or older
• have a high school diploma or equivalent
• have 480 hours of experience working with young children
• have 120 hours of formal training

What does the formal training consist of?

To fulfill the CDA credential the following courses are required.

• ECE-103 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 Credits)
• ECE-133 Child Health, Safety & Nutrition (3 Credits)
• ECE-243 Early Childhood Guidance (3 Credits)
• One of the following:
  • ECE-158 Early Childhood Curriculum I (3 Credits)
  • ECE-159 Early Childhood Curriculum II (3 Credits)
  • ECE-221 Infant Toddler Care/Education (3 Credits)

See Course Descriptions.

When are classes offered?

Classes for the CDA credential are offered at night during Spring 2010.

• Early Childhood Curriculum I (ECE-158-1) - Tuesdays, 6:00 - 8:50pm

Classes are offered during the day at limited availability.

• Child Health, Safety & Nutrition (ECE-133-1) - Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays, 11:00 - 11:50am
• Early Childhood Curriculum II (ECE-159-1) - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:30 - 1:45pm
• Early Childhood Guidance (ECE-243-1) - Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays, 10:00 - 10:50am

For More Information

For more information, about the CDA credential program, please contact:

Barbara Gregersen
319-296-2329, ext. 1298
bgregersen@hawkeyecollege.edu

To register please contact the Registrar's Office at 319-296-2460.