If you are an early childcare professional in Texas who is passionate about caring for youngsters and teaching, the Child Development Associate or CDA Certification is right for you. But if this is the first time you’ve heard of CDA Certification, don’t worry! We’re here to share with you everything you need to know about it.
What is CDA and why is it a great choice?
The CDA Certification is awarded to early childhood education professionals who have met the requirements based on a set of competency standards determined by the Council for Professional Regulations. Not only is it a widely recognized credential, it is also a key stepping stone that can help anyone advance their career. Earning the CDA certification signifies that you have the ability, skills and knowledge necessary to nurture the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of young children.
What are the benefits of a CDA certification?
Becoming a CDA certified professional may be a huge commitment, but it can benefit you and your career goals in several different ways.
For one, getting the CDA certification can help advance your career. Your certification stands as a proof of your knowledge and skills in the field of early childhood education. And this means more opportunities when it comes to jobs and career advancement. Being a CDA holder can also help you give parents the peace of mind from knowing that their kids are under the best care of a certified childcare professional.
How to get the CDA?
To earn the CDA certification, you must complete 120 hours of professional education in early childhood development. You must also have 480 hours worth of experience working with kids in the field indicated in your application. You will also be required to submit your professional portfolio. As soon as your documents are complete, you can proceed to schedule your verification visit and CDA exam. You then need to pass both to become a full-fledged CDA holder.
CDA exam preparation through scenario-based training
The CDA exam is one of the most important factors that determine whether can obtain the CDA certification or not. But don’t worry! At National CDA Training, we make sure that you are provided with everything you need to successfully pass the test.
National CDA Training provides fun and innovative training like no other. We use the scenario-based approach which is scientifically proven to be effective. The scenario-based training trains your mind to react to various situations that may arise in classroom so you know how to respond and handle situations effectively in real life.
Taking our CDA courses at National CDA Training will make you love what you do even more! It’s time to move your career forward and become a CDA certified professional in Texas!
CDA Credential Requirements in Texas
Childcare licensing in Texas is managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Child Care Licensing division. Texas childcare centers must comply with Chapter 745 of the Texas Administrative Code, which governs minimum standards for childcare operations including staff qualifications and ongoing training. Texas requires licensed childcare center staff to complete a minimum of 24 clock hours of training per year, and the CDA training hours count toward satisfying this requirement.
Texas Rising Star (TRS) Quality Rating System
Texas’s Quality Rating and Improvement System is called Texas Rising Star (TRS), administered by the Texas Workforce Commission. TRS programs are rated at 2, 3, or 4 stars. Staff qualifications—including CDA credentials—are a scored component of the TRS assessment. Higher TRS ratings result in enhanced reimbursement rates under Texas’s Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program, administered through the Texas Workforce Commission. CDA-credentialed staff directly help centers achieve and maintain TRS certification and higher reimbursement rates.
For licensing requirements and professional development resources in Texas, visit the Texas HHS Child Care page or the Texas Workforce Commission Childcare page.
T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships in Texas
Texas participates in the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Texas Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible childcare workers pursuing credentials and degrees including the CDA. Contact your local Workforce Development Board or Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for current scholarship availability in your area of Texas.