Child Development Associate Training

Our Child Development Associate (CDA) classes are tailored for child care professionals, offering weekly sessions covering 13 modules over 40 weeks, available in hybrid or in-person formats. Fulfill the 120-clock-hour education requirement with expert guidance and support in portfolio creation, assessment applications, and funding options.

CDA Training in Rochester, NY

This course will encourage participants to broaden their understanding of key issues in early childhood education as they begin their coursework for the CDA credential. Through the course work, each individual will increase their knowledge on how to meet the specific needs of children and work with families and other adults to nurture children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework. This will be done by demonstrating competence in her/his ability to meet the CDA Competency Goals through her/his work in a center-based or family child care program.

Classes meet one evening per week for a three-hour session, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. for 40 classes. Participants must be currently working in a registered or licensed child care program.

Contact us today for upcoming dates and to make an appointment to register.

Requirements for completion

Before obtaining your CDA training credential, you must have 120 hours of documented formal child care education within the past five years, with no fewer than 10 hours in each of the following content areas: 

Planning a safe, healthy environment to invite learning

Strategies to manage an effective program operation

Steps to advance children’s physical and intellectual development

Maintaining a commitment to professionalism

Positive ways to support children’s social and emotional development

Observing and recording children’s behavior

Strategies to establish productive relationships with families

Principles of child development and learning

Obtaining your CDA Credential

The Child Development Associate Credential is awarded by the National Council for Professional Recognition in Washington D.C. Upon completing our CDA training in Rochester, NY, you will undergo assessment by the National Council for Professional Recognition. For further details, call 1-800-424-4310 or visit their website.

Our Education Specialists can serve as the CDA Professional Development Specialist that is required for the CDA assessment. We can assist anyone with creating a professional portfolio, creating and completing the CDA assessment application, and applying for EIP to pay for the assessment, even if you received the 120-hour training somewhere else.

CDA Renewal

A CDA credential is valid for three years from the date of award. Call 1-800-424-4310 to obtain your renewal packet or you may complete it online. Within the 3-year period of having your credential, you will need to complete 45 hours of training, have a current first aid certificate, proof of work experience with children or families of young children, obtain a letter of recommendation from an Early Childhood professional regarding your competence in working with young children, and document proof (within the current year) of membership in a national or local early childhood professional organization.