Child Development Associate (CDA)
Child Development Associate (CDA)
Training Program
Program Overview
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early learning professionals as they work toward becoming highly-qualified teachers of young children. The process to earning a CDA is a multi-step process involving continuing education, experience, and observation.
Once students successfully complete the Del Mar College Continuing Education CDA Program, students will have earned the required 120 training hours and completed the required portfolio.
Del Mar College offers both of the following Child Development Associate (CDA) Credentials:
- Infant Toddler, children 0 to 36 months of age
- Preschool, children 3 to 5 years of age
Course specifics
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| CDEC 1007 | Plan Safe Learning Environment |
| CDEC 1051 | Advancing Children's Dev |
| CDEC 1051 | Supporting Children's Dev |
| CDEC 1091 | Build Relations with Families |
| CDEC 1010 | Managing Child Care Operation |
| CDEC 2000 | Commitment to Professionalism |
| CDEC 1094 | Observe & Record Child Behavior |
| CDEC 1008 | Understand Child Learning |
Admissions Requirement
- Must be 18 years of age
CDA Credential Requirements
Del Mar College's CDA program is here to help prepare students earn a CDA credential. In addition to completing all the CDA classes offered by DMC, students must complete all items below before earning their CDA credential.
- Complete CDA portfolio.
- Complete 480 training hours within three (3) years at a child care facility.
- Submit application to the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program.
Testing information
Students who meet all the CDA credential requirements will submit their application to the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program. From there, the council of the organization will work with the student to set up a proctored test to ensure they meet the CDA requirements.
For more information regarding the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, please visit the CDA Council website.
For more information on scholarships for the CDA Credentialing Assessment Fee, please visit the CDA Council's scholarship page.
Classes are HYBRID! Do the majority of your work online, with one in-person class held at the Center of Economic Development, Room 117 on Wednesdays from 5:30 - 8:30 PM.
Register by copying the full "CDEC" course code and using it after clicking the button below!
Current Schedule
UNDERSTAND CHILD LEARNING:
CDEC-1008-15267
- 10/23/24 – 11/01/24
Register for Continuing Education courses here
Page last updated October 9, 2024.