CDA FAQs

What is a CDA?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) is a competency-based national credential awarded to individuals who work with children ages five (5) and under.

How do I apply to Jefferson Community and Technical College?

Apply for Admission

Do I have to take the placement tests?

Find out more information on the Assessment Center web page.

What classes are required?

IEC 101 Orientation to Early Childhood Education

IEC 102 Foundations of Early Childhood Education

One of the following IEC courses:

IEC 130 Early Childhood Development
IEC 180 Approaches to Early Childhood Education Curriculum
IEC 200 Guidance of Young Children

This is my first semester & I only want to take one course. Which course should I take?

IEC 101 - Orientation to Early Childhood Education

Once I complete the 3 required courses, will I have my CDA?

No. The coursework is one component of achieving your CDA. The Council for Professional Recognition recognizes our courses for 120 training hours in Early Childhood Education.

Each 3-credit college course is worth 40 training hours. In these classes, you will complete the following:

120 hours of training in Early Childhood Education
Your Professional Portfolio, including a resource file
Preparation for the oral and written exam
If you are currently teaching in a center, Parent Questionnaires and 480 hours of working with young children in an early childhood setting

How can I get more information regarding the CDA?

Council for Professional Recognition
1441 L Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
1 (800) 424-4310
cdafeedback@cdacouncil.org

What else will I need to do?

Ensure that you have the $425 application fee needed to complete the online CDA application.
To apply for a mini-grant to cover the cost of the $425 application fee, please contact the Child Care Aware Professional Development Coach, Valerie Slaten, at valerie.slaten@uky.edu or (502) 213-2611.
Complete the online application for your pathway (infant/toddler, preschool, etc.).

Is the CDA Credential valid forever?

The CDA Credential is valid for 3 years from the date of the award and can be renewed for 5-year periods.

Renewal of the CDA Credential includes the following:

First Aid and Infant and Child (Pediatric) CPR Certificates
4.5 Continuing Education Units, or a 3-credit college course verified by an Early Childhood Education Professional
A minimum of 80 hours work experience with young children
Letter of recommendation from an Early Childhood Education Professional
Current membership in a national or local early childhood professional organization

How can I get more information regarding the IECE Program at Jefferson?

Jefferson offers a complete Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Program leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

For more information, go to the IECE page.