Teachers Training  Services

Requirements for Obtaining a CDA Credential

As a CDA candidate, you must meet the following requirements before participating in the final CDA assessment:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Have 480 hours of experience working with children within the past five years
• Have 120 clock hours of child care education within the past five years

As a CDA candidate, it is your responsibility to meet all these requirements. In addition, you must also find an approved field advisor, compile your resource file, arrange for payment to be made for any training you need to take, and apply for your final CDA assessment.

CDA Training

CDA candidates must obtain a minimum of 120 clock hours of formal child care education. This training can be obtained through participation in the wide variety of professional development activities available in the field, including in-service. While the formal education hours can be credit or non-credit, the training must be delivered by one or more training organizations with expertise in early childhood teacher preparation. The organization(s) must provide verification of the candidate's education in the form of a transcript, certificate, or letter.

Some training organizations and colleges offer CDA training programs specifically designed to prepare you for CDA candidacy and assessment. Before enrolling in a CDA training program, we encourage you to research your options and determine which will best help you obtain your CDA credential.

The 120 clock hours of education must be documented, with no fewer than 10 hours in each of the following content areas:

1. Planning a safe, healthy, learning environment
2. Steps to advance children's physical and intellectual development;
3. Positive ways to support children's social and emotional development;
4. Strategies to establish productive relationships with families;
5. Strategies to manage an effective program operation;
6. Maintaining a commitment to professionalism;
7. Observing and recording children's behavior; and
8. Principles of child development and learning.

Training hours obtained as part of a CDA credential program may be applied toward your 30 hours of required training. Questions about using CDA related training to fulfill your regulatory training requirements should be directed to your Licensor or Registrar at the New York State Office of Children & Family Services. Training taken within the past five years as part of the 30 hours regulatory requirement may help you meet the 120 hour CDA training requirement.

EIP Scholarships   

Eligibility for EIP scholarships is based on your employment status, your household income level, and the educational activities for which you request funding.

Applications for CDA assessment are not income based. Everyone who is otherwise eligible will be able to access the assessment fee up to their maximum award amount.

Applicants must work directly with children or supervise child care staff in a facility regulated by the New York State Office of Children & Family Services or the New York City Department of Health.

Scholarship amounts are determined using your household size and income as reported on your most recent IRS Form 1040.

Applicants must provide a complete application by the appropriate deadline to be approved for scholarship.