HOW TO RENEW THE CDA
One of the requirements to renew the CDA is the completion and documentation of 45
hours of accepted training. ECTOD can provide you with those 45 hours and more. To
review the courses available to you through ECTOD, just click on CATALOG.
If you are not familiar with the renewal process, here's an overview:
hours of accepted training. ECTOD can provide you with those 45 hours and more. To
review the courses available to you through ECTOD, just click on CATALOG.
If you are not familiar with the renewal process, here's an overview:
A CDA Credential is valid for three years from the award date, after which it may be renewed
in five-year increments. The purpose of the CDA renewal is to ensure that Child
Development Associates are maintaining current knowledge and skills in their work with
young children and families.
RENEWAL CRITERIA: All CDA Renewal Candidates must meet the following five criteria:
RENEWAL PROCESS: A CDA Credential may only be renewed for the original setting, age-
level endorsement, and specialization. The renewal process involves three steps:
Q: What are CEUs?
A: Units awarded for participation in an organized continuing education experience under
responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. They are non-credit
educational experiences. One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is ten (10) contact or clock
hours of study.
Q: Who issues CEUs?
A: Various post-secondary institutions offer CEUs. Contact the adult education or continuing
education department at a community college or vocational institution to verify that they
issue CEUs. These institutions should be accredited by a regional or national organization,
such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACs). Bainbridge College is
among those institutions that issue CEUs accepted by the Council. CEUs from non-
accredited organizations may not be accepted.
Q: Are there criteria for agencies awarding CEUs?
A: Yes, the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) issues
standards for educational entities that award CEUs. The Council strongly recommends that
CDAs seek training from agencies that meet the IACET criteria for Continuing Education and
Training. Bainbridge College meets these standards.
Q: Will a record be kept of the CEUs I've earned?
A: The program should keep a record of the course(s), the date(s), and the number of CEUs
awarded for at least seven (7) years. Bainbridge College maintains these records for an
unlimited time.
in five-year increments. The purpose of the CDA renewal is to ensure that Child
Development Associates are maintaining current knowledge and skills in their work with
young children and families.
RENEWAL CRITERIA: All CDA Renewal Candidates must meet the following five criteria:
- Documented proof of a current Pediatric Red Cross or other agency First Aid
Certificate. As of November 15, 2011, the Council no longer accepts Standard First
Aid certificates. You must have certification that includes (1) treatment for blocked
airway and (2) rescue breathing for infants and young children. - Documented proof of at least 4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) OR a three-
credit-hour course in early childhood education/child development, principles of adult
learning, mental health counseling, etc. These hours must be in addition to the
original 120 clock hours required when the Candidate obtained the CDA Credential.
(See important information regarding CEUs below.) - Documented proof of recent (within past year) work experience with young children or
families of young children (a minimum of 80 hours). - A completed Letter of Recommendation Form regarding the CDA's competence with
young children prepared by an Early Childhood Education Professional. - Documented proof (within current year) of membership in a national or local early
childhood professional organization. You can find a list of national organizations at
www.cdacouncil.org, “CDA Resources—Early Childhood Organizations.”
RENEWAL PROCESS: A CDA Credential may only be renewed for the original setting, age-
level endorsement, and specialization. The renewal process involves three steps:
- Purchase a Renewal Packet: You may purchase a Renewal Packet for $13 plus $5
shipping and handling. The Packet includes a Renewal Procedures booklet, a booklet
of materials for use by the Early Childhood Education Professional, application form,
recommendation form, and waiver request form. To order the packet online, go to the
Bookstore at www.cdacouncil.org or you may order by phone at 800-424-4310 (In the
202 area code, call 202-265-9090.) - Compile Required Documentation: You will complete the required documents as
outlined in the five Renewal Criteria above. Specific instructions are provided in the
Renewal Packet, including information about identifying an Early Childhood Education
Professional to prepare the recommendation form and subject areas for the required
course work. - Mail Required Documents: You will mail all completed documents, along with a $50
renewal fee, to the Council, at the following address:
- Council for Professional Recognition
2460 16th NW
Washington, DC 20009
- Upon receipt, Council staff will review the materials for completeness. If all materials
are in order, the Council will award the CDA Renewal Credential, otherwise the Council
will notify you and give you an opportunity to resolve the problem within a specified
time period.
- CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
Q: What are CEUs?
A: Units awarded for participation in an organized continuing education experience under
responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. They are non-credit
educational experiences. One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is ten (10) contact or clock
hours of study.
Q: Who issues CEUs?
A: Various post-secondary institutions offer CEUs. Contact the adult education or continuing
education department at a community college or vocational institution to verify that they
issue CEUs. These institutions should be accredited by a regional or national organization,
such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACs). Bainbridge College is
among those institutions that issue CEUs accepted by the Council. CEUs from non-
accredited organizations may not be accepted.
Q: Are there criteria for agencies awarding CEUs?
A: Yes, the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) issues
standards for educational entities that award CEUs. The Council strongly recommends that
CDAs seek training from agencies that meet the IACET criteria for Continuing Education and
Training. Bainbridge College meets these standards.
Q: Will a record be kept of the CEUs I've earned?
A: The program should keep a record of the course(s), the date(s), and the number of CEUs
awarded for at least seven (7) years. Bainbridge College maintains these records for an
unlimited time.
| PROCEDURE FOR RENEWING THE CDA |
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