What is a CDA Certificate?
Whether you’re brand new to the world of early childhood education or have been working with kids for years, obtaining your CDA Credential could be beneficial for many reasons. Before we can talk about the benefits, it’s important to understand – what is a CDA certificate? According to the Council for Professional Recognition, the Child Development Associate Credential is among the most widely known and accepted credentials in early childhood education. The nationally transferable CDA certificate is based on a set of core concepts and competencies that aim to help children successfully move from one developmental stage to the next.
The CDA Credential provides an opportunity for educators working with children from birth to age 5 to demonstrate and strengthen their knowledge, understanding, and practices when teaching in early education. Not only is the CDA Credential important for advancing in your career, but it is also a major professional development learning experience and essential resource moving into the field, making it a great option for both experienced and new educators.
Top 5 Reasons to Pursue Your CDA Certification
Obtaining your CDA Credential is a necessary next step for professional development. The certification process is both challenging and rewarding and will present new opportunities for your career. Let’s take a closer look at why professionals in early childhood education should consider obtaining their CDA Credential.
1. Professional Growth
Anytime you are learning and growing in your career knowledge, you’re investing in your future and professional development. Getting your CDA certification will ensure that you are up-to-date on the latest childhood development research and teaching methods. With the Child Development Associate Credential training program at CCEI, you can build a professional foundation and strengthen your personal capabilities to prepare you for a career in early childhood education and continue to guide you moving forward. Ready to find out how to get a CDA certification? Visit our CDA certification page to get started.
2. Increase Your pay
In some states, certain centers incentivize early care and education workers with monetary bonuses. When centers have highly qualified staff, they appear more desirable to prospective families. Getting a CDA Credential benefits both you and your workplace. It’s a win-win.
3. Better Job Opportunities
Having your CDA Credential also makes you a better candidate for potential job opportunities. While some centers require CDA Credentials, to others it may help you stand out from other applicants. Almost any potential employer in the early childhood education field will recognize and appreciate the CDA Credential. It also shows that you are invested in being the best educator possible by furthering your own education and knowledge.
4. Meet NAEYC Standards
The National Association for the Education of Young Children is an organization that promotes high-quality, research-based learning in education centers across the country. NAEYC lists 10 program standards on their website for families to consider when selecting an early childhood program. One of these standards involves staff competencies and lists CDA Credentials as a requirement for qualifying educators. NAEYC promotes state and national professional development systems that help individuals in the early childhood field make connections between their training and the classroom.
5. Gain Parents’ Confidence
Parents and families are more likely to place their trust in educators that have a higher level of training. Your CDA Credential gives parents of the children you work with peace of mind that they’ve left their little ones in good hands. Having a CDA certificate also demonstrates your dedication to the field and communicates that you care enough to continue your own learning. Parents see that you’ve invested time and money into becoming a better educator for their children and it improves the parent-teacher relationship.
These are only a few of the many benefits that come from pursuing your CDA certification. Grow your knowledge, boost your pay and job prospects, and gain the confidence of the parents at your center when you obtain your CDA Credential. Start bettering yourself today and read more about how to get a CDA certification with CCEI.
