DESCRIPTION OF THIS PROGRAM

This program provides more than the required 120 clock hours of training for the CDA Credential, aligning with the 8 subject areas specified by the Council for Professional Recognition (the credentialing agency). Students use the CDA Council's textbook, "Essentials for Working with Young Children." The training is delivered via twice-weekly Zoom sessions (2-hour). During these sessions, the students will have an opportunity to view relevent videos aligned with the content, have breakout discussion sessions with their classmates, and meaningful interaction with their instructor. The students willl complete their assignments for this training on the Canvas LMS platform. There, they will participate in discussion boards, complete written assignments, and quizzes.These will all be graded individually by their instructor. This is NOT a self-guided training program. The instructor is interacting and providing feedback consistently throughout the training.

Besides the required training, the CDA requires the candidates to prepare a Professional Portfolio, take an online exam, and be observed and evaluated in the classroom by a Professional Development Specialist, who is specially trained by the credentialing agency. This program provides robust support and assistance with all of these throughout the course. After successful completion of this program, candidates should be fully prepared to earn a CDA. Students have the opportunity to evaluate the training during and after the training. This evaluation is used to make adjustments and improvements on a regular basis.

ASSISTANCE WITH THE CDA APPLICATION FEE

Students will be offered alignment with TEACH Early Childhood Indiana, which offers scholarships to fund the $425. CDA application fee.Students must meet certain requirements and submit documentation as part of the application process. This process will commence during the course of the program, so funding is available for payment for the CDA application and timely completion of the credentialling process is possible immediately after completing the training.

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

Students are eligible for a $50. bonus for completing the training program. Upon earning the CDA credential and providing our office with a copy of the certificate, students are eligible for a $100. bonus. In addition, students who utilize the TEACH Scholarship may be eligible for a $200. bonus from TEACH Early Childhood Indiana when providing that office with a copy of the credential.