This program guides candidates through the entire CDA credentialing process. The self-paced coursework gives learners the flexibility to study on their own schedule while dedicated faculty provide one-on-one coaching and additional support to ensure all of our learners complete the entire CDA program.

*Due to pricing increment on the CDA credentialing process, the cost for the CDA PRO will be now $1,600 for members and $2,100 for non-members effective March 1st.

Earning a CDA® credential demonstrates educators’ knowledge, skills, and abilities in the early childhood education field as well as their commitment to professional development. Designed for working Head Start and Early Head Start professionals, The Academy’s CDA® Training Pathways program gives learners the flexibility and support they need to achieve their goals.

On-Demand CDA courses with FREE office hours:

Teachers enrolled in on-demand CDA® courses have the option to join one hour a month of free consultation with a CDA® expert coach to answer questions about the CDA® portfolio assignments. NOTE: This option does not include assignment revisions or written feedback by the coach. It’s exclusively to answer questions and provide clarifications.

CDA® Core

Includes all features in On-Demand, 120 hours coursework aligned with The Council competency standards, online coaching sessions to support portfolio and coursework completion, and access to individual coaches as needed via email.

CDA® Pro

Includes all features in CDA Core PLUS application for The CDA through The Council for Professional Recognition, and includes the CDA book.

Learners can complete the training on-demand or have access to the full pathway—completely online.

The CDA Pathway is designed for educators working in the following settings: 1) preschool; 2) with infants and toddlers; 3) family child care; and 4) home visitor environments. In addition to meeting the Council for Professional Recognition’s coursework requirements, this training provides learners with everything they need to know to succeed in Head Start.

Start Dates:

• On-Demand: Anytime!
• Live Training (CDA Core and Pro): New cohorts are accepted on a monthly basis.
• Target Audience: Instruction and Effective Practice, Parents and Families, Support Services
• Requirements/Prerequisites:
  • High school diploma/GED or be enrolled in a high school career and technical program.
  • 480 hours of experience working with children in the group setting the candidate is earning the CDA in (Infant/Toddler or Preschool). The CDA candidate should have 80% of these hours completed by the time they apply for the CDA credential with the Council for Professional Recognition.
• Completion Timeline/Duration: Four months

Course includes:

• Program Outline
• Online, Self-paced Coursework
• Six Months of Access to Online Course
• Video Content
• Access to Cohort of Peers
• Discussion Forums
• Completion Includes
• Certificate of Completion
• Best-in-class preparation to take The Council of Professional Recognition’s CDA Exam
• Enrollment support to National University
• Six Semester Credits

Topics:

• Course Outline
• The CDA Course modules are aligned with the CDA Competency Standards.
• To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment
• To advance physical and intellectual competence
• To support social and emotional development and to provide positive guidance
• To establish positive and productive relationships with families
• To ensure a well-run, purposeful program that is responsive to participants needs
• To maintain a commitment to professionalism

Learning Objectives:

• Learn to work effectively with children and families by understanding and implementing the CDA competency standards in daily work with children in a classroom setting
• Gain a deeper understanding of child development principles and their effective implementation in each learning experience throughout the day
• Identify key elements of management and professionalism in early childhood

Head Start Alignment:

• Includes alignments with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework in each module.
• List of Core and Pro CDA Courses Standard Parent Bilingual

Course Author

Zuly Vazquez

Zuly Vazquez is the senior manager of Early Head Start Professional Development. She has worked with Head Start and Early Head Start programs for over a decade, specializing in training, mentoring, coaching, facilitation, curriculum implementation, and management. She worked for several years in the classroom, providing high-quality education to children from different cultures, traditions, and ethnicities. She is a former Head Start parent and has vast experience supporting and providing technical assistance to teachers, family child care providers, education specialists, and families in large programs in Florida and Georgia. Over her career, she designed a supplemental Christian early childhood curriculum, bilingual online lessons, and classroom observation tools and has facilitated early childhood education courses in English and Spanish at the college level. As an active early childhood advocate, she is part of the advisory committee of her local NAEYC affiliate, the Family Child Care Home Alliance of Georgia, and Latinas United for the Children of America.

What Learners Are Saying

Exclusive Cohorts for the Live Training Pathways

By joining a cohort, you become part of a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals who share the same goals and aspirations. Together, you’ll navigate the entire CDA credentialing process, motivating and encouraging one another every step of the way. The power of peer support cannot be overstated–it’s a driving force that propels you towards achieving your dreams.

The Parent Cohort: We recognize the immense value that parents bring to the early childhood education field. They possess unique strengths and perspectives that can enrich the learning experience for everyone involved. By involving Head Start parents in our program, we create a diverse and dynamic environment where knowledge is shared, and connections are made. Sign up today!

The Bilingual (Spanish) Cohort: Language will no longer be a barrier. With the Spanish cohort, learners can work towards their CDA credential with confidence. While the self-paced coursework is in English, our bilingual faculty members are there to provide personalized coaching and additional support. Candidates will have the opportunity to learn alongside peers who are on the same journey, fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Sign up today!

Professional Development Coaches

The Academy at NHSA is proud to feature dedicated faculty members from a diverse set of cultures, experiences and backgrounds to provide one-on-one support to CDA candidates through the entire credentialing process.

Frequently Asked Questions