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CDA Prep Training

What is the CDA?

  

Rasmussen University has embedded some of the preparation for the CDA Credential into coursework the three courses in the CDA Prep Training. Check out the video below to know more!

(Please use the tabs along the top for more CDA information.)

What is the CDA Credential?

The Child Development Associate Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition is a national credential awarded to early childhood educators who meet competency standards in both education and experience. Competency is measured by completing:

  • 120 hours of professional education
  • 480 hours of professional experience
  • A professional portfolio including…   
    • Statements of competence and providing Resource Collection Items as supporting evidence for each competence
    • Family questionnaires

Eligibility Requirements

Are you eligible to apply for the CDA credential?  How do you know?  Watch this short video to help you determine if you are eligible and what you might still need to be eligible.  If you need additional assistance to determine eligibility, please contact our Rasmussen CDA Liaison at rascdainfo@rasmussen.edu

What do I need?: Materials

Once you determine if you are eligible, start by making sure you have the materials you need.  You will need a NEW CDA Competency Handbook (Infant/Toddler, Preschool, or Family Child Care).

Your CDA Handbook

  1. Determine ONE age group and setting for your CDA Credential
    1. Infant/Toddler
    2. Preschool
    3. Family Child Care
  2. Call the Personal Support Center (866-693-2211) and request that a copy of the CDA Handbook for your chosen age group be sent using the following ordering codes:

       3. Your CDA Handbook will be ordered and physically sent to the address on file with your school records.

Course Overview

Throughout the following courses, you will be learning more about the CDA Credential and preparing for the CDA Credential application.

Rasmussen University has embedded the preparation steps for the CDA Credential application into three of the core early childhood education courses within the Certificate/Diploma and Associate degree programs. While you complete these courses, you are not only earning college credit, but you are also completing the educational hours required, and the portfolio items for the CDA Credential application.

Across all three courses, your course content will cover the CDA Credential Competency Standards which are divided into 6 goals and 12 functional areas:

CDA COMPETENCY STANDARDS AND FUNCTIONAL AREAS

            Goal I. To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment

    1. Safe

    2. Healthy

    3. Learning Environment

            Goal II. To advance physical and intellectual competence

    4. Physical

    5. Cognitive

    6. Communicative

    7. Creative   

Goal III. To support social and emotional development and to provide positive guidance

    8. Self

    9. Social

    10. Guidance

Goal IV. To establish positive and productive relationships with families

   11. Families

Goal V. To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs

   12. Program Management

Goal VI. To maintain a commitment to professionalism

                           13. Professionalism

Throughout the courses, you will complete items to include in your CDA Professional Portfolio.  Please refer to the Portfolio Tab above for more specific details. 

 

Portfolio

As you complete your courses, you should also be assembling your CDA Professional Portfolio. 

The CDA credential process requires all candidates to produce a Portfolio to document evidence of their competence in three (3) areas:

  1. Resource Collection Items (10 total)
  2. Professional Philosophy Statement (1 statement)
  3. Statements of Competence (6 total)

Refer to your CDA Handbook for all details on each of the Professional Portfolio items. Use this chart below to locate where you will either complete items within your courses or find items in your CDA Handbook.

 

How do I organize my CDA Professional Portfolio?     

STEP 1: Obtain materials to create Portfolio

  1. Obtain a 2-inch wide, 3-ring binder
  2. Obtain a 3-hole punch OR sturdy page protectors to hold documents
  3. Obtain page dividers to divide sections

STEP 2: Print CDA Tab Inserts and Divider Inserts or determine another method for clearly labeling sections and portfolio items

STEP 3: Organize your Professional Portfolio by using the “Assembling Your Professional Portfolio as  Physical Binder” document below.  Be sure to use the Tab Inserts and Divider Inserts linked below for better organization.

STEP 4: Print your completed assignments and insert them into your Professional Portfolio accordingly.

New video: Organizing Your Professional Portfolio

Your CDA Professional Portfolio illustrates your unique accomplishments and abilities; therefore, no two portfolios should look alike. You are encouraged to use and add to your portfolio as you grow throughout your career.

What do I do with my Professional Portfolio?

You will provide your physical, completed CDA Professional Portfolio to your PD Specialist at your Verification Visit as part of the application process.

Family Questionnaire

Before you start your application for the CDA, you must request feedback from the families in your program.  This is part of your CDA Professional Portfolio.  Refer to your CDA Competency Handbook for the details. 

Family Questionnaires provide families a chance to share your strengths and areas of professional growth from their point of view.

  1. Each family in the group you work with should receive a questionnaire.
  2. You can find the reproducible Family Questionnaire in your CDA Handbook. 
  3. Get back as many as possible- aim for just over half being returned to you.
  4. Once you have received the responses back, be sure to review each response and reflect on the feedback received. Complete the Family Questionnaire Summary sheet provided in your CDA Handbook. 
  5. Insert the Family Questionnaire Summary sheet into your CDA Professional Portfolio along with the questionnaires completed by the families.

NOTE: This step must be completed before the Verification Visit.  Your PD Specialist will review the Family Questionnaire Summary sheet and reflect with you during the visit. Your PD Specialist will not review the individual questionnaires themselves, but you must include them in your portfolio.

The Family Questionnaire is provided below:

Document Education

As part of your Professional Portfolio, you must provide specific documentation of your educational hours toward the CDA Credential.

Be sure to follow the directions below for the proper documents for your situation and what is needed in your own portfolio!

 

CDA Documentation of Formal Education

If you completed the three courses (EEC1700, EEC1202 and EEC1735) with Rasmussen University, you must include the Documentation of Formal Education form along with your college transcript in your CDA Professional Portfolio. This form confirms that the courses you completed meet the subject area requirement.

  • The Documentation of Formal Education form provided is located in the Documents and Resources Tab and is updated annually. Print the form and add it to your Professional Portfolio along with your college transcripts.
  • This step must be completed prior to your Verification Visit for PD Specialist review.

Transcripts

You must include a copy of an unofficial or official transcript in your CDA Professional Portfolio. 

  • If you completed all the educational hours with Rasmussen University, you would need to only include your Rasmussen University transcript and the Documentation of Formal Education.
    • To obtain a copy of your unofficial or official transcript, go to https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/alumni/request-transcript/.  Follow the directions to order your transcript. If you are a current student, you can also provide a Progress Report.  You can locate the Progress Report by going to the Student Account Center in the Student Portal.
  • If you completed any of your educational hours at another college or university, you would also need to include an unofficial or official copy of your transcript from that college or university. It is also recommended to include course descriptions and any other information that can confirm the courses taken meet the subject area requirements.
  • This step must be completed prior to your Verification Visit for PD Specialist review.​

CDA Credential Application Process

The CDA Credential Application process begins at the beginning of your Foundations of Child Development Course. Download and follow the document below for steps to take to prepare and apply for your CDA Credential.

CDA "How To" Videos

The CDA Council has provided short and informative "How To?" videos for the online application process.  You can fin them here:

https://www.cdacouncil.org/resources/webinars-and-tutorials

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to receive my Ready to Schedule notice? Once the CDA Council receives your application and then records your payment,  it may take several weeks to process your application and send you the Ready to Schedule notice.  You can also check your YourCouncil account for an update on your status and your notice as well.

Q: What is a Documentation of Formal Education Form? This document indicates your completion of the 120 hours of education from Rasmussen University required to apply for your CDA Credential. This form is provided in your Health, Safety and Nutrition Course. Complete this form and place it in your CDA Binder. See the Formal Education tab above for additional information.

Q: The Documentation of Formal Education form is asking for my application number? Your application number will be the last four digits of your social security number.  

Q: My PD Specialist is asking for an official transcript? An unofficial transcript will suffice, as long as you also include your Documentation of Formal Education form.

Q: I’m missing assignments/resource file items in my binder? Identify which assignments you are missing and which course they originated in. Then call the 24/7 Personal Support Center at 1-866-693-2211 and they can help you retrieve a missing assignment.

Important Contact Information

  • CDA Council of Professional Recognition – 1-800-424-4310 or www.cdacouncil.org
  • Rasmussen University 24/7 Personal Support Center – 1-866-693-2211
  • Rasmussen University CDA Liaison – rascdainfo@rasmussen.edu

Proceso de Inscripción para la Credencial CDA

El proces de inscripción de la Credencial CDA comienza al principio del Curso de los Fundamentos del Desarrollo Infantil. Descarga y sigue el documento a continuación para los pasos a seguir para preparate y solicitar la Credencial CDA.

Dos Documentos vinculados:

  • Proceso de Inscripción para la CDA
  • Instrucciones paso a paso de la Solicitud en līnea para la Credencial CDA

Preguntas Frecuentes

P: Cuánto tiempo debo esperar para recibir la noticia Listo para Agendar? Apenas el Concilio reciba tu solicitud y registre tu pago, puede tardar varias semanas para procesar tu solicitud y enviarte la noticia Listo para Agendar. También puedes revisar tu cuenta YourCouncil para actualizaciones del estatus de tu solicitud.

P: Cuál es el Formulario de Documentación de Educación Formal? Este documento indica la terminación de las 120 horas de educación de Rasumussen College necesaria para solicitar la Credencial CDA. Este formulario se encuentra en el Curso de Salud, Seguridad y Nutrición. Rellena este formulario y colócalo en tu carpeta de CDA. Revisa la pestaña de Educación Formal para información adicional.

P: El formulario de Documentación de Educación Formal me pide el número de solicitud? Tu número de solicitud será los últimos cuatro dígitos de tu número de seguro social.

P: Mi especialista PD me pide calificaciones oficiales? Las calificaciones no oficiales son suficientes, con tal de que incluyas el formularion de Documentación de Educación Formal.

P: Me faltan tareas/recursos en mi carpeta? Identifica cuales tareas te faltan, y de qué cursos provienen. Entonces llama al Centro de Apoyo Personal 24/7 a 1-866-693-2211 y ellos te ayudarán a recuperar una tarea perdida.

Información Importante de Contacto

-Reconocimiento Profesional del Consejo CDA 1-800-424-4310 o www.cdacouncil.org

-Centro de Apoyo Personal 24/7 de Rasmussen University 1-866-693-2211

-Coordinador CDA de Rasmussen University - rascdainfo

PD Specialist

What is a Professional Development (PD) Specialist?

The CDA PD Specialist is responsible for completing the CDA Verification Visit with the you. The PD Specialist reviews your documentation, observes you while working with children, and conducts a reflective dialogue with you during the visit. At the end of the Verification Visit, the PD Specialist electronically submits your scores to the Council. 

To complete the online CDA Credential application, applicants must locate a PD Specialist. This can be done by using the special search tool on the CDA Council website. 

Things to remember:

  1. You are just locating a PD Specialist willing to come to your location in the future for the Verification Visit.  You are not scheduling your Verification Visit now.
  2. You cannot schedule a Verification Visit until you have submitted your application and sent your Customer ID number to the CDA Liaison email address at rascdainfo@rasmussen.edu for payment approval, thus receiving the “Ready to Schedule” notice from the CDA Council.
  3.  Be generous with the date you are indicating for a visit.  Your PD Specialist may already be busy so give them a wide window of time.
  4.  If you do not have a PD Specialist reply to you within 48 hours, conduct another search and ask more specialists. PD Specialists must contact you within 48 hours of receiving the invite. 

The Find a PD Specialist Directory is a database for you to use to locate a CDA PD Specialist in your area to conduct the CDA Verification Visit.


To use the Find-A-PD Specialist Online Directory, enter your work zip code, your setting and the language in which they teach into the database. The database will generate the names and descriptions of PD Specialists nearest to you. Then select the nearest PD Specialist and send a request to the PD Specialist to conduct their CDA Verification Visit. If the PD Specialist is available to complete the verification visit, they will respond to you with their PD Specialist ID number. The PD Specialist ID number is required to complete and submit the CDA application.

CDA Payment Approval

Rasmussen University will pay the CDA Credential online application fee only for current degree students applying for their initial CDA Credential.  Rasmussen University does not pay for CDA renewal applications.

Students must be enrolled in the Certificate, Diploma or Associate degree programs and have completed at least two of the three CDA preparation courses with Rasmussen University.

Students will not pay out of pocket. Instead, email your Customer ID number to the CDA Liaison rascdainfo@rasmussen.edu once at the payment section of the application process. A confirmation email of approval will be sent to you from the CDA Liaison.  Your next step in the process will come from the Council via email

New Video: Verification Visit and Exam

Documents & Resources

These documents and tools will help you navigate the CDA Application process:

Your CDA Credential Portfolio: Recording of October 20, 2019 webinar

Click the image below to view a recording of the CDA Webinar provided on Monday, November 4, 2019:

Council for Professional Recognition CDA Videos and Webinars

YourCouncil Tutorials 

View this series of 6 video providing step by step instructions through the CDA application process.

(Note:  You will need to complete a registration page to view these GoToWebinar videos.)

CDA Initial Tutorials

CDA Renewal Tutorials

Renewal

Renewing your CDA Credential is important to keep current with research, quality and best practices for working with the care and development of young children. CDA Credentials will expire 3 years from the date issued.  Refer to your CDA Credential Certificate for the exact date.

  • You must submit your renewal application on or before your expiration date.
  • You can submit your renewal application up to six months prior to the expiration date.
  • The renewal process is entirely online to help expedite the process.

 

Steps to Renewing your CDA Credential:

  1. Go to the Council for Professional Recognition website at www.cdacouncil.org
  2. Locate the CDA Credential link and click
  3. Choose Renew CDA from drop down menu.
  4. Download the FREE online CDA Renewal Procedures Guide for the steps to renewing your CDA Credential
  5. Download the online Early Childhood Education (ECE) Reviewer Guide to help your ECE Reviewer correctly fill out required information for your renewal application.
  6. Gather required documentation. Detailed instructions and forms are provided in the CDA Renewal Procedures Guide. The guide also includes the training verification form that needs to be completed by the center/ program director.
  7. Apply for the CDA Renewal. Once you meet all requirements, you are ready to fill out and submit your CDA Renewal Application. To apply for CDA renewal online the fee is $125 and to apply for CDA renewal by mail the fee is $150. Remember: You may submit your CDA Renewal Application as early as six months prior to the expiration date of your CDA Credential.
    1. NOTE:  Rasmussen University does not pay for or reimburse fees for CDA Credential Renewal.
    2. If you are applying for Preschool, Infant/Toddler or Family Child Care, we recommend applying for CDA renewal online. You will be able to upload your documents directly into your online application, submit payment electronically, track your progress and contact the Council through the Messages feature.

Watch this video to help explain the steps to renewing your CDA Credential.

Renovación

Renovar tu Credencial CDA es importante para mantenerte actualizade con investigación, calidad y mejores prácticas para trabajar con el cuidado y el desarrollo de niños pequeños. Las Credenciales CDA se vencen 3 años después de la fecha de emisión. Refiérase al Certificado de la Credencial CDA para la fecha exacta.

  • Debes entregar tu solicitud de renovación en o antes de la fecha de vencimiento.
  • Puedes entregar tu solicitud de renovación hasta seis meses antes de la fecha de vencimiento.
  • El proceso de renovación se realiza totalmente en línea para acelerar el proceso.

Pasos para Renovar tu Credencial CDA:

  1. Ve a la página web del Concilio del Reconocimiento Profesional al www.cdacouncil.org
  2. Localizar el vínculo de la Credencial CDA y haz clic
  3. Elige Renovar CDA del menú desplegable.
  4. Descarga GRATIS la Guía de Procedimientos de Renovación CDA para los pasos en renovar tu Credencial CDA
  5. Descarga la Guía para el Crítico de la Educación a Edad Temprana (ECE) online para ayudar a tu crítico a rellenar correctamente la información requerida para tu solicitud de renovación.
  6. Junta la documentación requerida. Se proporcionan instrucciones y formularios detallados en la Guía de los Procedimientos para la Renovación CDA. La guía también incluye el formulario de verificación de entrenamiento que el director de programa/centro debe realizar.
  7. Solicitar la Renovación CDA. Al ya cumplir con todos los requisitos, estás liste para entregar tu solicitud de Renovación CDA. Para solicitar la renovación CDA en línea el pago son $125 y para solicitar la renovación CDA por correo el pago es de $150. Recuerda: Puedes entregar tu Solicitud de Renovación CDA hasta seis meses antes de la fecha de vencimiento de tu Credencial CDA.

              a. NOTA: Rasmussen University no paga por ni reembolsa los pagos para la Renovación  de la Credencial CDA.

              b. Si solicitas Preescolares, Infantes/Toddlers o Cuidado Familiar, recomendamos  solicitar la renovación CDA en línea. Podrás subir tus documentos directo a tu solicitud en línea, enviar el pago electrónicamente, rastrear tu progreso y contactarte con el Concilio a través de Messages.

Mira este video que ayuda a explicar los pasos para renovar tu Credencial CDA.

Vínculo a Proceso de Renovación CDA--Solicitud de Renovación En 

Partnership with CDA and Council for Professional Recognition

Rasmussen is a proud partner of the CDA and the Council for Professional Recognition and is honored to be among a select group of early childhood education training organizations to be awarded the CDA® Gold Standard Training Certification. Our curriculum includes a focus on preparing students to apply for their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition. The certification helps ECE students find the high-quality training and support services they need to prepare for the CDA Credential.

 

  • Last Updated: Apr 9, 2021 12:21 PM
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