Ok CDA Q'S so i just took my dcf test and i passed: child abuse and neglect, preschool approiate practices,

Question

and child care rules and regulations. Is that my cda?

When I go to get a job at a daycare what do i tell them? What am I certified in?

Answer 1

"A Child Development Associate (CDA) is an individual who has successfully completed the CDA assessment process and has been awarded the CDA Credential. CDAs are able to meet the specific needs of children and work with parents and other adults to nurture children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework." -Council for Professional Recognition

A CDA credential is a national credential awarded by the Professional Council for Recognition in Washington DC. It is a process which takes some time, alot of research and writing goals and competency statements, requires a certain amount of credit hours and experience in a child care setting, observations by a qualified Advisor and then tested by a Council  Representative. Refer to

http://www.cdacouncil.org/default.htm

for information on how to become a CDA.

Answer 2

A CDA can only be awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional recognition in Washington. You must pass their written and oral tests, complete your Resource File and comply with their procedures , including an Observation by a qualified professional. Until then you cannot claim to be a CDA. If you took the required 120 hours through an agency that includes testing that's well and good, but all it does is to meet the 120 hour requirement. You have a lot longer to go. Go to the CDA website for more information.