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CDA Council for Professional Recognition

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CDA Council for Professional Recognition

We give early childhood teachers the certification (CDA) and support they need to give all young children the quality care and education they deserve.

Over the past 45 years, we have issued over 800,000 CDA credentials. Nonpartisan. The Child Development Associate® (CDA) is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. The CDA credential is based on a core set of Competency Standards, which guide early care professionals as they work toward becoming

Operating as usual

02/02/2023

Registration is LIVE! Register now for the 2023 Early Educators Leadership Conference (EELC) held October 4-7 in beautiful Houston, TX at the Westin Galleria Houston.

>> http://ow.ly/EGEg50MHk1a

02/01/2023

Two hours until registration for our Early Educators Leadership Conference (EELC). Are you ready?

Be one of the first to register at 7:30PM! 💃
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02/01/2023

The countdown begins! ⏰ Registration for our Early Educators Leadership Conference (EELC) goes live TONIGHT at 7:30PM.

This year's theme is Inspire, Innovate, Impact: The Future is Early Childhood. Join us in Houston, TX at The Westin Galleria Houston from October 4-7 to learn best practices, discuss critical industry topics, and engage with other ECE professionals.

Registration is $1250 for single occupancy or $1050 for double occupancy and includes your hotel stay, sessions, meals, and scheduled activities.

Be one of the first to register. See you at 7:30PM!
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01/31/2023

Our child care system needs more funding to ensure all families have equitable access to affordable, high-quality care. We hope POTUS will reaffirm his commitment to working families by laying out a plan for child care investments during the address on February 7th.
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Child Care Aware of America

01/31/2023

Marylanders: do you know an early childhood educator who's ready to take the next step? The Maryland State Department of Education has awarded a grant to cover the costs of credential fees and books, allowing teachers in the state to earn or renew their Child Development Associate® for free. Learn more and apply here: http://ow.ly/hsSt50MFxIW
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01/30/2023

Our January CounciLINK came out last week! Read it here, and subscribe to future newsletters so you don't miss a thing in the coming months! https://conta.cc/3kG4Vcp
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01/30/2023

Registration for our Early Educators Leadership Conference (EELC) goes live on Wednesday, February 1st.

This year's theme is Inspire, Innovate, Impact: The Future is Early Childhood. Join us in Houston, TX at The Westin Galleria Houston from October 4-7 to learn best practices, discuss critical industry topics, and engage with other ECE professionals.

Registration is $1250 for single occupancy or $1050 for double occupancy and includes your hotel stay, sessions, meals, and scheduled activities.

We can't wait to see you in Houston!
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01/29/2023

In his closing remarks as the Superintendent of Waynesboro Area School District in Pennsylvania, Tod Kline highlights the benefits of the high school CDA/CTE program and how their new early childhood program has impacted their community. Read more here: http://ow.ly/Jmq550MCn85
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01/28/2023

In the growing age of technology, knowing when and how to introduce screen time to your little ones is important. Check out Mayo Clinic's article on tips for introducing screen time, limits for managing usage, and ways to promote digital literacy for young children here: http://ow.ly/onJa50MClWz
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01/28/2023

Reading to young children is essential for their cognitive and behavioral development. It is also a fun way for parents to spend time with their children. Check out NAEYC's list of books for infants and toddlers to find a new family favorite: http://ow.ly/cMSH50MCkYy
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01/27/2023

A recent Education Week article highlights the benefits of universal preschool and a list of states where it is currently offered. Read more here: http://ow.ly/pTUz50MCjyi
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01/27/2023

📣 Calling all West Coast Leaders: We want YOU to be a CAN Ambassador!

Council Alumni Network (CAN) Regional Ambassadors are early childhood professionals interested in expanding their leadership by providing targeted support as an influencer in their local region. A CAN Regional Ambassador’s primary role is to demonstrate the importance of the CDA® as part of a unifying framework, share best practices related to their work in the ECE field, and promote resources and/or products the Council develops.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today! https://councilcan.org/page/ambassadorprogram
*States currently open for applicants: CA, NV, WA, UT, CO, OR, MT, WY, ID, AK, and HI
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01/27/2023

In this month's Moment with Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., our CEO shares his hope in the new year for the future of early childhood professionals nationwide. Read more here: https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/newsletter/a-moment-with-dr-moore-seeing-the-stars-new-hope-for-a-new-year/
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01/26/2023

A recent Edutopia article explores steps teachers can take to support students dealing with trauma, and how movement can help reduce students' trauma responses and create a safe and supportive learning environment. Read more here: https://www.edutopia.org/article/trauma-informed-exercises-elementary-students
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01/25/2023

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families is providing $48 Million in funding for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services over the next three years to increase access to childhood care and education. Read more here: http://ow.ly/eVlb50MyYBX
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earlylearning youngchildren

01/24/2023

Are you ready to inspire ECE professionals? Now through March 3rd, submit a proposal to be a speaker at the 2023 Early Educators Leadership Conference. ✍️ We invite you to share your expertise on educational equity, ECE career pathways, and wellness. 💡Learn more: http://ow.ly/VU8o50Mz5vs
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01/24/2023

In a recent article with The Hechinger Report, our CEO, Dr. Calvin E. Moore, highlights what child care workers need following the pandemic: better pay, more respect, and a few good men. Read more here: http://ow.ly/Tj0h50Mz2Ms
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01/23/2023

📣 Calling all Maryland ECE Professionals: Did you know you can renew your Child Development Associate® for FREE? Visit the link to learn more and apply for funding today! http://ow.ly/fVMf50MyfZx
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01/23/2023

Today's the day! Join us at 2:00 PM ET for the Council Alumni Network's next installation of the CDA Adopt-a-Center Program Series. Dr. Cindy Shackelford will discuss funding, including how to gain and where to allocate resources. Register here: https://councilcan.org/events/36142

Not a member of CAN? Sign up to join our professional network of current and former CDAs, sponsors, partners, ECE advocates, and more! https://councilcan.org/page/about-us
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01/20/2023

Registration for Colorado's universal preschool program is now LIVE! Watch the interview with Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the state's Department of Early Childhood Education, on how the program is progressing and why it's essential for families. http://ow.ly/fW6850MwpcB
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01/20/2023

Don't forget: CAN is hosting a Wellness Break on January 26th at 2:00 PM ET. Join us for a 10-min mindfulness session. Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more aware of where you are and what you're doing. It's a chance to center yourself in the present moment without becoming overly reactive or overwhelmed with your environment. Find a quiet place to take a mindfulness moment with us! https://councilcan.org/events/36004

Not a member of CAN? Sign up to join our professional network of current and former CDAs, sponsors, partners, ECE advocates, and more! https://councilcan.org/page/about-us
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01/19/2023

ZERO TO THREE recently shared a resource on sleep guidelines, backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, to ensure your little one's safety. 💤 Read more here: http://ow.ly/kq1k50Mvs7x
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01/19/2023

Reminder! Join us on January 23rd at 2:00 PM ET for the Council Alumni Network's next installation of the CDA Adopt-a-Center Program Series. Dr. Cindy Shackelford will discuss funding, including how to gain and where to allocate resources. Register today: https://councilcan.org/events/36142

Not a member of CAN? Sign up to join our professional network of current and former CDAs, sponsors, partners, ECE advocates, and more! https://councilcan.org/page/about-us
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Address

2460 16th Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
20009

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

(202) 265-9090

Website

https://www.cdacouncil.org/

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Videos

The CDA is the best first step on a larger career ladder in the ECE field. 👟 As Congress continues to discuss ways to address the child care crisis, we are advocating that the CDA be embedded into federal regulations as the preferred entry-level credential for early childhood professionals. Learn how from our CEO, Dr. Calvin E. Moore ⬇️ #advocate #ChildDevelopmentAssociate

New merchandise sneak peek 👀 These new, CDA-branded keychains are coming to our store soon! Show your CDA pride while holding all of your important keys. .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #cda #mycda #ece #earlychildhoodeducation #merchandise #store #shop #shopping #online #onlineshopping #new #earlychildhood #earlylearning #earlyeducation #teacher #educator #education #teachers #iteachtoo #teachersfollowteachers #brand #comingsoon #savethedate #sneakpeek #onlinestore #keychain #keys #newrelease #staytuned #childdevelopment

Giveaway alert! 🚨 Art is an essential tool for teaching young children how to express their emotions, work with others, develop small motor skills, and more. With the school year in full swing, we want to see your child's art! Whether an educator or a parent, share a photo of your little one's recent masterpiece for a chance to win an I Love CDA t-shirt. But wait, that's not all! Our giveaway winner will also receive a 30-minute conversation opportunity with our CEO, Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr. As a CDA recipient and the leader of the Council for Professional Recognition, now is your chance to ask him anything about the current state and future of early childhood education. The giveaway will end on Friday, September 30th at 12 PM ET. Submit your photos today! Also, be sure to check out this The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) article to learn more about "How Process-Focused Art Experiences Support Preschoolers": http://ow.ly/Stmp50KTuJg . . . #giveaway #contest #art #artwork #teacher #educator #parent #parenting #parenthood #teach #iteachtoo #teachersfollowteachers #free #fun #cda #ceo #win #winner #education #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhood #childdevelopment #preschool #prek #childcare #childcareprovider #artoftheday #creative #prize #giveaways

The next edition of our monthly newsletter, CounciLink, comes out this Thursday. Don’t miss out! Subscribe today for Council updates, thought-provoking content, and more. https://www.cdacouncil.org/subscribe . . . #MyCDA #CDA #Councilink #Newsletter #Subscribe #Read #Reader #ECE #EarlyChildhood #Childhood #EarlyEducation #Update #News #Content #ThoughtLeader #Monthly #YoungChildren #ProfessionalDevelopment #Development #Professional #Network #Profile #New #CouncilForProfessionalRecognition #Leader #Leaders #Articles #Information

Are you or a staff member eligible for CDA renewal? The CDA Renewal Procedures Guides have recently been updated in English and Spanish for all settings to help educators successfully renew their CDA® credential. Learn more and download your free guide today: https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/renew-cda/ . . . #MyCDA #CDA #ECE #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EarlyChildhood #Childcare #Child #Children #Renewal #Certification #Credential #Credentialing #Success #ProfessionalDevelopment #Renew #Nonprofit #Charity #YoungChildren #English #Spanish #Guide #Free #Download #Resource #Celebrate #Update #Updated #Educator #Teacher

The Council is hosting a FREE webinar on May 25th at 3:00 PM (ET) for state administrators, district leaders, faculty, and staff who are interested in implementing the High School Child Development Associate® (CDA) in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at their high school, in their district, or within their state.🏫 Register below to learn how this program can jumpstart your high schoolers' career in the early education workforce! 🎓 >> https://conta.cc/3MQp7Bo << . . . #MyCDA #CDA #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EarlyEducation #Education #Webinar #Online #Virtual #CouncilForProfessionalRecognition #CTE #Educator #Administration #HighSchool #School #Program #Certification #Career #Skills #Learn #Nonprofit #Charity #Workforce #Work #Childcare #Student #Children #Child #Leaders #Jumpstart

To close out #TeacherAppreciationWeek, the Council would like to thank all ECE professionals for all that you do for the communities you serve. Let’s keep the conversation going by joining our new community, the Council Alumni Network (CAN) https://councilcan.org/

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Start with the advancement of earning your CDA®. Learn how to apply here: ↪️ http://ow.ly/THSn50IJ1Rk

At EELC, we spoke with the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Executive Director, Sandy Spavone, who shared what ignites her passion for high school CTE ECE programs. 🎓 “Students sometimes don’t think early childhood is a career they want to do, and then they get hooked.” 💡

Tell your friends and colleagues: our bookstore Cyber Monday sale is LIVE! 📚 For one day, receive 20% of all CDA Council publications using promo code CYBERCDA21. 🛒↪️ http://ow.ly/CT6x50GUGRM?

The countdown is on! ⏰ Our big #CyberMonday sale begins TOMORROW with 20% off all publications! 📚 Use promo code CYBERCDA21 to secure your discount. 🛒👍 ↪️ http://ow.ly/2rPg50GUzVS?

"Educators are looking for tools and looking for answers...but they don't realize that the answer is in the mirror. The answer is in themselves." - Steve Zwolak, LUME Institute & University City Children's Center CEO 🎥 Watch the full interview now to be inspired by EELC keynote speaker Steve Zwolak's work and wisdom.

At our annual Early Educators Leadership Conference, we had the opportunity to sit down with the Gates Foundation Early Learning-US Program's Deputy Director, Dr. Marquita Davis, who shared what inspires her as she looks toward the future of #ECE. 💡 "What most excites me... is this opportunity to re-imagine assessments...to center equity and to understand the full developmental spectrum of a child...and to be intentional about the children we aim to serve." 📚

“In Maryland, CDA® funding is available right now. Take that opportunity.” 💰 Dr. Sonia Pruneda-Hernadez, Montgomery College Early Education Chair, urges all directors and teachers to apply NOW to receive funding to earn the CDA®. Don’t miss the chance to earn a credential that is: ☑️ Globally recognized 🌏 ☑️ Portable ✈️ ☑️ At no application cost to you! 💵 Funding is available for a limited time. ⌛ Apply today: http://ow.ly/p1Uy50GJTbI

Don't miss out on CDA® Renewal Amnesty! Renew your expired CDA® before the limited-time amnesty program ends on 12/31/21. Learn how to apply today: ↪️ http://ow.ly/fIBc50GEGxS

CounciLIVE 2021 Final Episode, featuring Dr. Carol Brunson Day

Can you believe the 2021 CounciLIVE season is coming to a close? We can’t, either! In this year’s final episode, Dr. Carol Brunson Day, Council for Professional Distinguished Fellow, speaks on the vision of CounciLIVE: sharing current topics in early childhood education through the unique CDA council lens, connecting theory to practice to equip you to best serve our world’s youngest learners. Join us next year to hear from expert guest speakers on the most vital topics in early childhood practice, theory, research and advocacy today. Anchored in our flagship publication, The Essentials for Working with Young Children, each CounciLIVE episode brings to you a conversation on one or more CDA® functional area(s) and explores its importance in relation to current events, educational philosophy & research today.

What Every ECE Educator Needs to Know about Dual Language Learning, featuring Vilma M. Williams

Let's talk dual language learning and language development! In this week's episode of CounciLIVE, Vilma M. Williams, Council for Professional Recognition Manager of Multilingual and Special Programs, speaks on communication, language acquisition and dual language learning for young children. Join us every 2 weeks to hear from expert guest speakers on the most vital topics in early childhood practice, theory, research and advocacy today. Anchored in our flagship publication, The Essentials for Working with Young Children, each CounciLIVE episode will bring to you a conversation on one or more CDA® functional area(s) and will explore its importance in relation to current events, educational philosophy & research today.

It's a new era for the CDA®, and your needs are at the center of the reimagining process— from start to finish. Learn more about exciting changes coming soon! 💡⬇️

We're excited to announce that the winner of the annual EELC CDA® Advocate Award is.. 🥁 ChildWise International Corp! 🏆 The coveted award honors those with a record of distinguished service and active leadership in early childhood education. Hear ChildWise's story here. 📽️ #EELC2021

Miriam Calderon, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Learning at the Department of Education, spoke with us on why we must urgently act now to support children, teachers and families. #EELC2021 "We're at a place in our field we have not been in 50 years, and maybe ever...to deliver the experiences that we know are essential and build on the innate brilliance and curiosity that young children bring." #BuildBackBetterAct #ECE #BuildBackBetter #childcare

EELC 2021 kicks off TOMORROW with the first conference event: annual CDA PD Specialist™ Symposium! 🙌 We'll be sharing inspiring, fun & surprising real-time moments all week. 📣 Follow us (@cdacouncil) on Twitter & Instagram Stories to catch every EELC update! 🎉 #EELC2021

What's PE for PreK?, featuring Dr. Fran Cleland

Let's talk PE for PreK! In this week's episode of CounciLIVE, Dr. Fran Cleland, West Chester University professor and former SHAPE America President speaks on the power of movement and physical development for young children. Her presentation speaks to the "Physical" CDA® functional area as well as her own research and expertise in preschool physical growth and education. Join us every 2 weeks to hear from expert guest speakers on the most vital topics in early childhood practice, theory, research and advocacy today. Anchored in our flagship publication, The Essentials for Working with Young Children, each CounciLIVE episode will bring to you a conversation on one or more CDA® functional area(s) and will explore its importance in relation to current events, educational philosophy & research today.

"Let's talk creativity!" with ECE educators Keisha McClendon & Aaron "Buddy" Rhodes!

Let's talk creativity! Welcome to this week's episode of CounciLIVE, featuring a conversation with Keisha McClendon & Aaron "Buddy” Rhodes, seasoned early educators and CDA® Advisory Committee members. Today, Savannah DiMarco, Council Digital Marketing Manager, speaks with Keisha & Buddy on the power of creativity in the classroom. Join us every 2 weeks to hear from expert guest speakers on the most vital topics in early childhood practice, theory, research and advocacy today. Anchored in our flagship publication, The Essentials for Working with Young Children, each CounciLIVE episode will bring to you a conversation on one or more CDA® functional area(s) and will explore its importance in relation to current events, educational philosophy & research today.

Creating a Culturally Responsive ECE Workforce, with Dr. Bisa Batten Lewis & Sandra Kowalchek

Welcome to this week's episode of CounciLIVE, featuring a conversation with Dr. Bisa Batten Lewis—author, educator development coach, motivational speaker, WINGS Curriculum managing partner, and NBCDI- Atlanta Affiliate President— and Sandra Kowalchek, Council Manager of Government Relations. Today, Dr. Bisa speaks with Sandra Kowalchek on creating a culturally responsive ECE workforce. Learn more about WINGS Curriculum: https://www.wingscurriculum.com/. Learn more about NBCDI-Atlanta: https://www.bcdiatlanta.org/ Join us every 2 weeks to hear from expert guest speakers on the most vital topics in early childhood practice, theory, research and advocacy today. Anchored in our flagship publication, The Essentials for Working with Young Children, each CounciLIVE episode will bring to you a conversation on one or more CDA® functional area(s) and will explore its importance in relation to current events, educational philosophy & research today.

CounciLIVE: A Conversation on Building Equity in ECE, Featuring Dr. Shantel Meek & Michelle Brown

Welcome to this week's episode of CounciLIVE, featuring a conversation with Dr. Shantel Meek, Founding Director of the Children's Equity Project and Michelle Brown, Council for Professional Recognition Executive VP of Programs. Today, Dr. Meek speaks with Michelle Brown on building equity in early childhood education. Join us every two weeks to hear from expert guest speakers on the most vital topics in early childhood practice, theory, research and advocacy today. Anchored in our flagship publication, The Essentials for Working with Young Children, each CounciLIVE episode will bring to you a conversation on one or more CDA® functional area(s) and will explore its importance in relation to current events, educational philosophy and research today.

CounciLIVE: Professionalism, a Conversation with Dr. Cindy Shackelford & Abena Ocran-Jackson

CounciLIVE: Literacy, Language & Equity: Featuring Dr. Ryan Lee-James

Comments

I am VERY disappointed in the handling of my renewal. I couldn't apply the grant. Thinking there might've been a small increase, I used my card. The WHOLE COST was charged to my card and the Council WON'T REFUND ME. Basically the attitude was too bad. She wouldn't tell me the name of someone in Finance or the supervisor of the woman on the phone.

Be very careful when renewing. I've NEVER seen such bad customer service.

I cannot seem to register online for application. can you still get a license this year with covid?

What is the application process for second credential? Where are the direction on the website?

When filing for second credential can I use the same log in to your council?

Hi I teach a class that needs to order books through a Corporate Account. We are having difficulty receiving information to confirm the account. Can you direct me to the appropriate person to handle the purchase?
Kindest regards.

Hello, I request permission to post my social media flyer on your profile. I am looking for CDA recipients who earned their credential online to participate in my doctoral research. Please advise. 470-426-2585 [email protected]

I have asked before and been told we are not allowed to do virtual observations at this time. How about observations through a glass door? How would I be able to hear the teacher or check all the material for safety and appropriateness?

I was recently asked to provide a verification visit via Zoom. Is this an acceptable way to proceed?

Is anyone else having issues logging in to the CDA website? It wants to keep my co-worker's log in info and defaults to her info when I or other staff attempt to log in. CDA was no help, they just emailed me my log in info as though I had forgotten it. The issue is with their site, not me. Guessing I'll have to contact them during their work hours to hopefully get it straightened out. Not a great first impression of the site.

I strongly urge the Council to refocus their efforts to build the CDA capacity and continue to market the organization and strengthen quality through a better candidate/ PDS portal system and call center support staff that can remedy issues in a timely manner. The system is extremely difficult to work with. Candidates' employment depends on the efficiency of the CDA Council for Professional Recognition. As a PDS, I've been told that simple issues caused by the new system will take up to 8 weeks to fix- prior to the national pandemic's presence in the US and CDC's guidelines on social distancing. This is simply unacceptable for candidates who work so hard to produce quality work, including the price they pay to earn and maintain the credential..... Simply wanting to be able to support candidates in the field and hoping to be recognized here. Please HELP ASAP, for the sake of the candidates.

My CDA expired in 2009, can I renew it?

Para mi la peor experiencia! Casi un mes esperando que arreglen una información que solo ellos pueden arreglar y ya pasó un mes. Cada vez que llamo (a diario) me dicen que debo esperar una semana.