CDA, Worth It?

[Play Care]

I have my AA in Lib Arts, and am taking classes to get my AA in Early Childhood (eventually to have my BA in elementary/special ed) BUT that is obviously taking some time I have the opportunity to get my CDA in half the time it usually takes (30 hours opposed to 90 - still not sure about the logistics as they have an information session next month) I'm worried as I don't want to take time away from my main goal (getting my degree) At the same time I think being able have a fresh look into my program and being able to advertise that I have both an AA as well as a CDA (even in the AA isn't in EC) would be a huge boon for my program.

So for those who have done it, was it worth it? Did you gain any insight? Does it help attract clients? Would you do it again?

[Blackcat31]

Honestly, I wouldn't bother.

According to my recollection a CDA is only a 16 credit certificate and/or credential where an AA is a 60 credit diploma....

An A.A.S or A.A is a diploma or degree (2+ yrs)

Hope that makes sense.

This is helpful in explaining the differences http://www.childcarenet.org/provider...-education-ece

The following certificates and degrees are general courses of study within the ECE field available at 2-year colleges in Washington State.

CDA Credential = The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally recognized credential awarded to individuals who have demonstrated competency through both experience and education in working with young children ages 0-5. The CDA Credential is awarded to infant/toddler child care teachers, preschool teachers or family child care providers.

ECE Certificate = The Early Child Education (ECE) Certificate is a 45-64 credit certificate program designed to meet Washington State requirements to become a program coordinator for a licensed child care center, teacher or teacher assistant in an early childhood classroom. Some colleges offer mini-ECE certificates that range from 10-30 credits.

AA Degree = The Associate in Arts degree represents the broad knowledge generally acquired in the first two years of a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. When you have earned the AA, you may transfer to a baccalaureate institution within the state of Washington with assurance that you have satisfied all or most of the basic requirements (General University Requirements/Distribution Requirements). This means, generally, that AA transfer students can begin work on their specialized, major-area course-work as soon as they transfer.

ATA/AAS Degree = The Associate in Technical Arts (ATA) or AAS Degree is designed to provide entry into a technical or semi-professional occupation or additional training for those students who wish to complete a program with a specific professional-technical career objective. These degree options differ from a certificate program in that they combine a specific job skill component with a breadth component. In general, an ATA or AAS program is designed to be a terminal degree, and is not meant to transfer to a 4-year college or university.

AAS-T Degree = The Associate of Applied Science-Technical degree in early childhood education is a two-year technical degree that prepares students for immediate employment and leaves the door open for the possibility of transfer to specific four-year institutions that have agreed to accept this type of degree. The AAS-T is a relatively new degree model that was approved by the Washington Association of Community and Technical College Presidents in March 2002. A typical course of study for an AAS-T degree in ECE might include 45-55 credits in ECE and 35 to 45 credits in general education.

[juliebug]

I also believe you have to renew your cda unlike a degree.

[Blackcat31]

I also believe you have to renew your cda unlike a degree.

This is also correct. A CDA Credential is valid for three years from the award date. A CDA Credential may only be renewed for the original setting, age-level endorsement, and specialization.

To renew, you must meet/complete the following 5 criteria

1. Documented proof of a current Red Cross or other agency Pediatric First Aid Certificate - the certification must include (1) treatment for blocked airway and (2) provide rescue breathing for infants and young children.

2. Documented proof of one of the following types of training in early childhood education/child development, principles of adult learning, mental health counseling, etc.:

- 4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- a three-credit-hour course
- or 45 clock hours

These hours must be in addition to the original 120 clock hours required when the Candidate obtained the CDA Credential. Bilingual CDAs must meet this requirement with coursework incorporating bilingual issues.

3. Documented proof of recent (within past year) work or volunteer experience with young children or families of young children (a minimum of 80 hours). This should be verified with a letter on official letterhead from a supervisor (click here for an example).

4. A completed Letter of Recommendation Form regarding the CDA's competence with young children prepared by an early childhood education (ECE) Reviewer. The ECE Reviewer must meet the eligibility requirements.

5. Documented proof (within current year) of membership in a national or local early childhood professional organization

http://www.cdacouncil.org/the-cda-credential/how-to-renew-your-cda

[itlw8]

There is no way to get it for less hour but if you have been taking classes you may have your hours already. Yes it is not as good as a degree but often when a class is offered there are perks to go along with it. when I worked on mine we got many freebies and they paid the cost of getting the CDA

It is not hard to renew now with online classes .

[Laurel]

I have my AA in Lib Arts, and am taking classes to get my AA in Early Childhood (eventually to have my BA in elementary/special ed) BUT that is obviously taking some time I have the opportunity to get my CDA in half the time it usually takes (30 hours opposed to 90 - still not sure about the logistics as they have an information session next month) I'm worried as I don't want to take time away from my main goal (getting my degree) At the same time I think being able have a fresh look into my program and being able to advertise that I have both an AA as well as a CDA (even in the AA isn't in EC) would be a huge boon for my program.

So for those who have done it, was it worth it? Did you gain any insight? Does it help attract clients? Would you do it again?

It wasn't worth it to me. I didn't renew mine.

I suppose you could tell clients you have a CDA and explain what it is but really, the way I figure, parents can only pay so much. Some may pay more because you have a CDA but I've never even had a client who asked if I had any childcare degrees....ever... when they came for an interview.

No, I didn't gain any insight. It was all pretty much documenting everything I learned from my experience over the years.

Laurel

[juliebug]

It wasn't worth it to me. I didn't renew mine.

I suppose you could tell clients you have a CDA and explain what it is but really, the way I figure, parents can only pay so much. Some may pay more because you have a CDA but I've never even had a client who asked if I had any childcare degrees....ever... when they came for an interview.

No, I didn't gain any insight. It was all pretty much documenting everything I learned from my experience over the years.

Laurel

I have had one parent say anything about my Early education degree, and that was because they got assistant from the military and you had to have a degree for the military to pay. There is just one other childcare here in my town approved for this.

[AnythingsPossible]

I don't think you gain anything being a home provider with a CDA, but if you ever plan on working out of your house it may be beneficial. In my area, the majority of preschools require a CDA and an AA. Daycares are requiring atleast a CDA and directors must have a CDA and a degree in some element of early childhood. Just something to keep in mind for the future!

[coolconfidentme]

CDA is required with my license in Indiana.

[Play Care]

I don't want it because I think parents would pay more - I realize there is a cap to that But am hoping it would generate more interest in my program and keep my spots full. I am hoping that by year 3, my degree(s) will be finished and I will be working outside the home.

I am (beyond) ready at this point to be done with my 55+ hour work weeks and have my home just be my home...

[Laurel]

CDA is required with my license in Indiana.

I got my CDA because there was a rumor that Florida was going to require it but that never happened and here it is a couple of years later. They are still working on QRIS after YEARS so I'm not too concerned they will implement that either. I hope to be retired in a year or two anyway so I won't have to worry about it.

Laurel

[originalkat]

I wouldn't bother if I were you.

I have mine because I got it before I got my AA degree. My CDA expired and so I did not renew. However, recently they had a CDA amnesty renewal thing where you could renew if your CDA had expired within the last 3-5 yrs so I went ahead and did it. I am working toward my BA right now and will be done in Spring 2015 so I doubt I will renew after that.

[melilley]

Honestly, I wouldn't bother.

According to my recollection a CDA is only a 16 credit certificate and/or credential where an AA is a 60 credit diploma....

An A.A.S or A.A is a diploma or degree (2+ yrs)

Hope that makes sense.

This is helpful in explaining the differences http://www.childcarenet.org/provider...-education-ece

The following certificates and degrees are general courses of study within the ECE field available at 2-year colleges in Washington State.

CDA Credential = The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally recognized credential awarded to individuals who have demonstrated competency through both experience and education in working with young children ages 0-5. The CDA Credential is awarded to infant/toddler child care teachers, preschool teachers or family child care providers.

ECE Certificate = The Early Child Education (ECE) Certificate is a 45-64 credit certificate program designed to meet Washington State requirements to become a program coordinator for a licensed child care center, teacher or teacher assistant in an early childhood classroom. Some colleges offer mini-ECE certificates that range from 10-30 credits.

AA Degree = The Associate in Arts degree represents the broad knowledge generally acquired in the first two years of a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. When you have earned the AA, you may transfer to a baccalaureate institution within the state of Washington with assurance that you have satisfied all or most of the basic requirements (General University Requirements/Distribution Requirements). This means, generally, that AA transfer students can begin work on their specialized, major-area course-work as soon as they transfer.

ATA/AAS Degree = The Associate in Technical Arts (ATA) or AAS Degree is designed to provide entry into a technical or semi-professional occupation or additional training for those students who wish to complete a program with a specific professional-technical career objective. These degree options differ from a certificate program in that they combine a specific job skill component with a breadth component. In general, an ATA or AAS program is designed to be a terminal degree, and is not meant to transfer to a 4-year college or university.

AAS-T Degree = The Associate of Applied Science-Technical degree in early childhood education is a two-year technical degree that prepares s buttudents for immediate employment and leaves the door open for the possibility of transfer to specific four-year institutions that have agreed to accept this type of degree. The AAS-T is a relatively new degree model that was approved by the Washington Association of Community and Technical College Presidents in March 2002. A typical course of study for an AAS-T degree in ECE might include 45-55 credits in ECE and 35 to 45 credits in general education.

I was wondering what the difference in an AA and AS (or AAS) is. I have an Associate's in Applied Science-Child Development. I wonder if they gave me the wrong degree because everyone in child development seems to have an AA. Sorry to hijack this thread, but I have always wondered. Maybe I am reading what you posted wrong?

[melilley]

I have my AA in Lib Arts, and am taking classes to get my AA in Early Childhood (eventually to have my BA in elementary/special ed) BUT that is obviously taking some time I have the opportunity to get my CDA in half the time it usually takes (30 hours opposed to 90 - still not sure about the logistics as they have an information session next month) I'm worried as I don't want to take time away from my main goal (getting my degree) At the same time I think being able have a fresh look into my program and being able to advertise that I have both an AA as well as a CDA (even in the AA isn't in EC) would be a huge boon for my program.

So for those who have done it, was it worth it? Did you gain any insight? Does it help attract clients? Would you do it again?

I earned my AAS in child development and received my CDA first just because back when I earned my degree, all of the classes for a CDA counted towards my degree anyways so I just went through with it so I had something until I earned my degree.
I would not get it again because my degree is higher than the CDA so it wouldn't matter if I had the CDA or not.

[Blackcat31]

I was wondering what the difference in an AA and AS (or AAS) is. I have an Associate's in Applied Science-Child Development. I wonder if they gave me the wrong degree because everyone in child development seems to have an AA. Sorry to hijack this thread, but I have always wondered. Maybe I am reading what you posted wrong?

From my understanding (and I could very well be wrong) an A.A is the degree a person gets when that is all they intend to get.

An A.A.S degree is more intensive and geared towards those that plan to continue on towards their bachelors and/or masters.