Will I get a CDA by taking classes at a local college?

A local college where I live offers classes in Child Care training, 30-Hour Child Care Facility Personnel Training (30 Hours). If i take this class will I be able to get a job at a daycare center. If so, do you think they will let me bring along my 1 yr old son to watch over along with the other kids?

Public Comments

1. Go to cdacouncil.org to find out how to get your CDA. The process is fairly complicated. Thirty hours is just a quarter of what is required, and there are other components. What kind of job the college course can lead to depends on the regulations in your state, and whether you will be able to ring your child depends on the program.

   PS. You do not need college credits but you do need 120 hours of training in specific areas. Try your local Child care Council or Resource and Referral Agency.



2. I just completed my CDA. Other than the 30 hours of training, you will need to put together a collection of resources, have formal observations done, submit your packet to Washington, D.C. and take your exam with a certified CDA Representative.

   Speak with someone at the college and ask if this course is designed for obtaining the CDA, or if it is just a 30-hour "orientation" of sorts.

   Depending on where you live, there may be local resources that can help you prepare for the CDA. In my area, the CCR&R (Child Care Resource and Referral) office assists those interested in obtaining the CDA Credential. Here is a link to help you locate your local CCR&R. http://www.childcareaware.org/en/tools/child_care_finder/index.php

   Depending on the facility where you decide to work, you may or may not be able to teach a class where your child is. Some Directors feel this creates friction, whereas others find it perfectly acceptable.

   Best wishes.

   I am adding this in an edit:

   Here is the link for the Council:

   http://www.cdacouncil.org/cda.htm

   They are now offering online services:

   http://www.cdacouncil.org/PDF/Online%20Assessment%20handout.pdf

   The eligibility requirements for the CDA are as follows:

   * Be 18 years of age or older

   * Hold a high school diploma or GED

   * Have 480 hours of experience working with children within the past five years

   * Have 120 clock hours of formal child care education within the past five years

   "Formal child care education" does not have to be college setting. The Director of the facility where I trained was a Certified CDA Representative and Advisor and was authorized to conduct training acceptable to the standards of the Council.

   Don't be overwhelmed by some of the misinformation that floats around, go to the Council's website and check it out for yourself. If you want to make it happen, it is do-able.



3. You'll need 120 credits (2 years) of college to get a CDA.