Jackson Community College

The Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing Program is a major national effort initiated in 1971.  The purpose of the program is to enhance the quality of child care by defining; evaluating and recognizing the competence of child care professionals and home visitors.

 The CDA Credential is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition (the Council).  The applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements and submit records as instructed on the Direct Assessment Application Form.  (The Form is included as part of the materials required for the courses.  The fee for the CDA Credential, payable to the Council - NOT Jackson Community College - is about $325.  Fee assistance is available through Michigan 4C and T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MICHIGAN)
 

Candidate Eligibility Requirements

1.         Personal

·         Be 18 years of age or older

·         Hold a High School diploma or equivalent

·         Be able to speak, read, and write well enough to fulfill the responsibilities of a CDA candidate

·         Sign a statement of ethical conduct
 

 2.        Setting*

·         For a Center-base Preschool CDA: Identify a state-approved child development center where the Candidate can be observed working as a lead caregiver with a group of at least eight children, who are ages 3-5 years.

·         For a Center-base Infant/Toddler CDA: Identify a state-approved child development center where the Candidate can be observed working as a lead caregiver with a group of at least three children, all of whom are under age 3.

·         For A Family Child Care CDA: Identify a state approved family child care home where the Candidate can be observed working with at least two children, who are not related to the Candidate by blood or marriage.

·         For a Bilingual CDA: Identify a state-approved program that has specific goals for achieving bilingual development in children, using to languages consistently in da8ly activities and helping parents understand the goals and to support children's bilingual development.

* Students not currently employed in a child care setting will need to spend time in such an environment.
 

3.         Experience

·         For an initial CDA: Candidate must have had, within the past five years, at least 480 hours of experience working/volunteering with children in settings as described above, for the certificate being applied for.

·         For a Second-Setting CDA: Candidate must have at least 60 hours of experience working/volunteering with children in settings as described above, for the certificate being applied for.
 

4.         Education: Complete the following coursework and be certified for CPR & First Aid
 

·         For a Center-base Preschool or Family Child Care CDA:

ECE 246 Early Childhood Education       
ECE 140 Early Childhood Guidance
ECE 142 Professionalism in Child Development
ECE 143 CDA Preparation (optional)
 

·         For a Center-base Infant/Toddler CDA: 

Complete the coursework listed above, and EDU 131 Working with Infants and Toddlers

·         For a Bilingual CDA: The entire training session is offered spring term

·         For a Second-Setting CDA: Courses depend upon certification being applied for.  Please talk with us to help in making the most appropriate decision for you.

Students planning to enter the CDA credential program must complete the course placement assessment given at JCC.  Students with an ACT composite of 18 and mathematics score of 18 meet the competencies and are exempt from course placement assessment.  Students who complete course placement and who do not receive a minimum of 51 in reading and 1 or 2 in writing on the course placement assessment are not eligible to enroll in more than two CDA required courses in one semester.