CDA Development Center

CDA Graduates.jpg — Making Great Teachers One Class at a Time.

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is recognized nationally as the quality standard for training professional early childhood educators or those new to the field.

The Opportunity Alliance’s CDA Development Center is committed to the idea that quality care makes a positive difference in the lives of children and their families.

CDA training, which includes 40 weeks of weekly classes, helps teachers work effectively with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families in either a center-based or family childcare setting.

Working in the field of childcare is an important job requiring specialized skills and knowledge in early childhood development. Our course curriculum is based on current research, early childhood theory, and NAEYC’s standards for developmentally appropriate practice. The CDA Credential is recognized nationally as the quality standard for training professional early childhood educators or those new to the field.

At the CDA Development Center you’ll be immersed in the supportive learning environment that a real classroom experience can provide!

Face-to-face instruction
In depth discussions with your fellow students and teacher
Hands-on learning
Community speakers
An opportunity to form a professional network as you start your career

Tuition — $800.00, which includes:

Textbook
120 hours of documented training in:
- Health, Safety and Environment
- Physical and Cognitive Development
- Productive Family Relations
- Program Management
- Commitment to Professionalism
- Child Development
- Social and Emotional Development
- Observing and Recording Children
- Development of your Professional Portfolio
Technical Support: You will have personal support with meeting the goals of the CDA program in the following areas:
- Assessing your learning environment
- Assessing your individual teaching style
- Writing of the 6 Competency Goals

Eligibility:

You must have a valid high school diploma, GED, or enrollment as a junior or senior in a high school career/technical program in early childhood education.
You must be able to speak, read and write well enough in the language required at work to fulfill the responsibilities of a CDA.