Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
How TECTA Supports the CDA Process
What is a CDA?
A Child Development Associate is an individual who has successfully completed the assessment process and has been awarded the CDA Credential. CDA's are able to meet the needs of children, work with parents and other adults to nurture children's physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth in a child development framework.
How does TECTA support the CDA candidate?
The Council for Professional Recognition is the grantor of the CDA Credential. TECTA assists students in the process of attaining their credential through tuition assistance, coaching and Verification Visit support.
TECTA provides tuition assistance and loaned books for students to take four early childhood education courses that fulfill the training requirement.
TECTA also provides the candidate with a CDA Competency Standards Book, Professional Portfolio support, Assignment of a Professional Development Specialist, application assistance and a $425 application scholarship.
Are you ready to begin?
Step 1: The first step is to complete a TECTA Orientation.
Step 2: Attend a Tuition Assistance meeting to learn more about the CDA process and procedures for tuition assistance.
Step 3: As you finish your coursework you will be placed in a CDA workgroup to complete your portfolio.
CDA Workgroup Schedule
TECTA staff will work with all students to ensure you are placed in a group that coincides with your coursework completion. The list of workgroups below is provided to allow students the opportunity to plan ahead.
Workgroup Meets 3 times Face to Face at APSU
All Sessions meet 6PM - 8PM
Tuesday, Jan 21 - Face-to-Face
Tuesday, Feb 4 - Face-to-Face
Tuesday, Feb 18 - Zoom Meeting
Tuesday, Mar 18 - Zoom Meeting
Tues, Apr 22 - Zoom Meeting/Portfolios Due
CDA Completion Date: Estimated Mid-May 2025
All workgroups meet via Zoom from 6-8PM
Tuesday, March 4
Tuesday, April 8
Tuesday, May 6th
Tuesday, May 20th
Tuesday, June 3rd - Portfolios Due
CDA Completion Date ESTIMATED Mid-June 2025
CDA Renewals
Don't let your CDA lapse! Renewing your CDA shows current and potential employers that you are passionate about the work you do and that you are committed to the continuous learning process.
TECTA may be able to pay your renewal fee (pending fund availability).
Renewal requirements :
- You are a TECTA student who has completed Orientation and has received tuition assistance from us for college coursework.
- Your CDA is current and will not expire for at least 30 days.
- Your initial CDA was obtained through college coursework.
- You completed at least one 3-hour college course in early childhood education after your current CDA was awarded.
- You continue to work in a licensed DHS childcare program.
If you meet the criteria above, please download our CDA renewal packet and submit to tecta@apsu.edu or fax to 931-221-7300.
