Child Development Associate, CDA

What is a CDA?

The Child Development Associate is a person who is able to meet the specific needs of children. With the support of parents and other adults, the CDA works to nurture a child's physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth within a developmental framework. The CDA Credential is awarded to childcare providers who have demonstrated their skill in working with young children and their families by successfully completing the CDA assessment process.

There are two ways a CDA can be obtained; one is through vocational credit (myCDA), and the other is through college credit.

All CDA applicants must:

• Have high school diploma or GED;
• Be at least 18 years old;
• Meet all SCC enrollment requirements;
• Have an application on file with SCC's Early Childhood Education Department before entering the program (Call 407.708.2413 for an appointment.); and
• Complete 480 hours of work experience by the end of the Program.

Seminole Community College's CDA Programs

Online National CDA Vocational Program (myCDA)

This is an online program extending over one semester of study. Students must have access to the Internet and meet all College entrance requirements.

• Two vocational courses, extending over one term, must be taken.
• As part of the portfolio development, 480 hours of experience must be documented with preschool children in group care. 
• The certificate is awarded by the National CDA Council.
• Courses completed within the Program can be applied toward credit in A.S. degree programs.
• Program credentials must be renewed by the CDA Council initially after three years and then after every five years.
• Click here for the Program's course listing. 

College-Credit CDA Program (National CDA)

This program includes four college-credit courses.

• Credentials earned in the Program are accepted nationally.
• Certificates are awarded by the National CDA Council.
• Program credentials must be renewed by the CDA Council initially after three years and then after every five years.
• Courses completed within the Program can be applied toward credit in A.S. degree programs.
• Course listing: EEC 1000, EEC 2200, EEC 1601, EEC1319
• Most courses can be taken online.
• The Program can be completed in one semester.

For more information on the National CDA, contact:
The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition
2460 16th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 2009-3575
Toll-free: 800.424.4310

Enrolling to earn your CDA Credential is just a phone call or e-mail away.

• Contact the Early Childhood Education Department at 407.708.2413 or via e-mail to schedule a CDA orientation meeting at our offices located in J008, next to the Security Office, on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus.
• Allow approximately 30 minutes for your scheduled appointment.
• Bring two forms of identification to enroll in the College; proof of residency is required for in-state tuition rates.

Did you know?

Heads Up! Reading is offered at SCC as a vocational and credit level course. It also meets the new five-hour literacy requirement.