Don't wait. Earn your CDA, now!
Starting Point’s CDA Preparation Program gives you the support necessary to complete the CDA preparation program and CDA assessments.
We offer this support for Family Child Care providers and Center Based Providers.
CDA Cohorts begin periodically throughout the year. You must attend the CDA orientation to enter a cohort.
What is the CDA?
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is awarded to childcare providers, home visitors, and family child care providers who have completed the CDA preparation program and demonstrated their competence in working with young children and their families. The CDA Credential is a professional credential recognized by early childhood educators nationwide and enhances the quality of childcare.
Why should you go through Starting Point for your CDA?
- Scholarships for qualified child care providers
- 135 hours of CDA training aligned to the eight CDA Subject Areas (see next page)
- Guidance on completing required documentation
- Practice with assessments
- CDA Competency Standards booklet and Essentials text book
- Assistance in applying for TEACH scholarship
- Dedicated and experienced instructors
- Peer support through training cohorts
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CDA Credentials
Center-Based Infant-Toddler
Work with children birth to 36 months.
The Infant-Toddler center-based setting is a state-approved child development center where a candidate can be observed working with a group of at least 3 children ages birth through 36 months, with at least one of the sub-groups. The program must have at least 10 children enrolled, not necessarily in the candidate’s group, and at least two early educators working with the children on a regular basis.
Center-Based Preschool
Work with children ages 3 to 5 years old.
The Preschool center-based setting is a state-approved child development center where a candidate can be observed working with at least 8 children, all of whom are ages 3 to 5 years. The program must have at least 10 children enrolled, not necessarily in the candidate’s group, and at least two early educators working with the children on a regular basis.
New! Birth to Five
Work with children ages birth to 5 years in a center-based setting.
Birth to Five center-based setting is a state-licensed or legally exempt child development center where candidates are observed working directly with young children. To meet observation requirements, the candidate must be working with any of the following sub-age groups: (1) at least three children aged birth to 36 months, or (2) at least six children aged 3 to 5 years.
Candidates may be observed working with any combination of sub-age groups that are present in the learning environment, as long as they fall within the birth-to-five age range. Please refer to the “Birth to Five Endorsement Sub-Age Groups” on the next page for details on how these age groups are categorized.
Family Child Care
Work with children ages birth to 5 years.
A Family Child Care setting is a family child care home where a candidate can be observed working with at least two children 5 years old or younger who are not related to the candidate by blood or marriage. The setting must meet at least the minimum level of applicable state and/or local regulations. Family Child Care settings are also eligible in localities where there is no regulation of family child care.
Note: In states where there are licensed ‘group homes,’ these meet the CDA requirements for a family child care setting. However, in group homes where 10 or more children are enrolled and at least 2 caregivers work with the children on a regular basis, candidates may apply for the center-based credential.
