What is a CDA?
A Child Development Associate (CDA) is an individual who has successfully completed a CDA assessment and has been awarded the National CDA Credential. S/he is able to meet the specific needs of children and works with parents and other adults to nurture children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework (Council for Professional Recognition). The CDA is accepted as the required training hours for Family Day Care Accreditation. The CDA Credential is a  requirement for lead teachers in a child care center according to the minimum qualifications in the NYS day care regulations. Participants may choose one of three specializations; Infant/ Toddler, Preschool or Family Child Care.

What are the requirements?
Prior to applying for the CDA Credential Assessment, each candidate is required to complete 120 clock hours of formal child care education in eight different categories, which are offered through our CDA courses.

How can Child Care Council, Inc. help you?
CDA Courses at Child Care Council, Inc. are designed for potential candidates to complete their 120 hours, assist with the development of competency papers, and create a professional resource file. CDA Courses are available in the evenings. Classes meet
weekly for 3 hours for approximately 11 months. Evening classes are from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

How much does it cost?
The 120-hour program cost is $1,700.00 plus a non-refundable $75.00 registration fee. NYS Education Incentive Program Scholarships are available to providers. To receive a CDA Course registration package, call (585)654-4798.

Did you realize that New York defines Special Needs as any “chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition that is expected to last 12 months or more and who requires health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally”? This would include common conditions like ADHD, speech delay, and asthma, as well as more complex conditions such as diabetes or cystic fibrosis. Come join us to learn how to complete these planning forms with confidence so that you can be confident and capable caring for a child with special needs.

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” This is so true in our child care settings too. We will look at how to create plans that are fun and interesting for you and for the children. Our days can be filled with discovery that turns our children into engaged learners in every setting.