CDA stands for Child Development Associate. This is a person who has successfully completed the CDA Assessment process and has been awarded the CDA Credential. He or she has demonstrated the ability to meet the specific needs of the children in her program, work with parents and other adults, promotes and nurtures children's social, emotional, physical, cognitive growth, is organized, and committed to professionalism.
The CDA process consists of several parts:
Having at least 480 hours of experience working with young children
Completing 120 clock hours of formal child care training that cover the 8 CDA Subject Areas
Assembling a Professional Portfolio
Participating in the Verification Visit with a CDA Professional Development Specialist