The CDA Prep Guide (eBook)

Debra Pierce: Debra Pierce is an early childhood education professor at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana. She has also worked as a preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary teacher, as well as a parent educator for Parents as Teachers. Debra is active in her community and serves on the board of directors for Indianapolis First Book, a literacy program for underprivileged children. She is a certified CDA Professional Development Specialist for the new CDA process and has more than 15 years of experience with the Child Development Associated Credential. She has a master's degree in early childhood education from Nova Southeastern University.

Table of ContentsIntroduction About the Third EditionPursuing a CDA CredentialHow to Use This Guide1. Facts about the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and Process What is a CDA?Why is Getting a CDA Important?Who Can Apply for a CDA?What Kind of Formal Child Care Education is Needed?Is Financial Assistance Available to Help Pay for My Training?Do I have to Provide Some Kind of Proof That I Had This Training?Are There Different Types of CDA Endorsements?The CDA ProcessThe Professional Development Specialist2. A Word to Center-based Program Directors: Supporting Your CDA CandidatesAnswers to Questions That Center Directors Frequently Ask3. Preparing for the CDA ProcessOrganizing the Professional Portfolio binderDistributing and Collecting the Parent QuestionnairesReviewing the Family Questionnaires4. CDA Process: Center-based PreschoolThe Resource Collection Writing the Reflective Statements of CompetenceWriting the Philosophy StatementCompleting and Submitting the CDA Application 5. CDA Process: Center-based Infant/ToddlerThe Resource CollectionWriting the Reflective Statements of CompetenceWriting the Philosophy StatementCompleting and Submitting the CDA Application6. CDA Process: Family Child CareThe Resource CollectionWriting the Reflective Statements of CompetenceWriting the Philosophy StatementCompleting and Submitting the CDA Application7. Preparing for the CDA ExamArranging to Take the CDA ExamPractice Questions for the CDA ExamPractice Scenarios8. The Verification VisitSchedulingPreparing for the Observation- Conducting a Self-StudyWhat Happens at the Verification Visit?9. Award of the CDA CredentialWhere Do You Go from Here?10. CDA Renewal and Earning a CDA Credential for a Different SettingHow Often Must My CDA Be Renewed?Getting a Renewal PacketWhatâs Involved in the Renewal Process?What Happens After the Council Receives My Renewal Application?Earning a CDA Credential for a Different SettingAppendix ACDA Subject Areas for the 120 Clock Hours of TrainingAppendix BSample Observation Tool (Anecdotal Record Form)Appendix CSample Weekly Plan for InfantsAppendix DSample Weekly Plans for Preschoolers and ToddlersAppendix EProfessional Philosophy ExerciseGlossaryReferencesSubject Index