Childhood Development Associate Credentials Class Begins August 26 in Pottstown

Earning a Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential is “an amazing opportunity” for people working in early childhood education, according to Kathleen Seeley, senior director of early education at YWCA Tri-County Area in Pottstown.

A 12-week course culminating in the CDA credential will be offered in Pottstown beginning Saturday, August 26, and ending Saturday, November 11. Classes will alternate between instructor-led sessions at YWCA Tri-County Area, 300 King Street, Pottstown, and online work. Students without internet access will have opportunities to access online classes at YWCA.

“This course truly is an added bonus for early childhood teachers,” Seeley said. “According to PA Child Care Licensing, a CDA is equivalent to 9 credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood education or child development and 1 year of experience with children.”

The CDA credential is a nationally recognized credential for early education teachers, and a key stepping stone in career advancement. Teachers in many early childhood centers are required to earn a CDA. In Pennsylvania, the Keystone STARS system for early childhood education rates facilities from 1 to 4 stars; each level requires a specific percentage of teachers carry the CDA credential. A STARS 4 facility – YWCA Tri-County Area is one – must have all teachers earning a CDA in order to maintain that top rating.

The credential makes a candidate for employment “the best candidate,” and is likely to translate into a higher starting wage, Seeley added.

People working in the early education field who are not classroom teachers may also be interested in earning a CDA, Seeley said, because they will gain a better understanding of early childhood development, helping them perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively.

The CDA course gives early education teachers a fundamental understanding of best practices in early childhood education, Seeley said, and gives them an idea of what a good quality curriculum will ask of them as teachers. The course divides students into two tracks – infant/toddler and preschool.

“Teachers will learn what to expect from children in each age group,” she said. “They’ll learn about the developmental activities in the classroom that are appropriate at each age group. They’ll learn about interacting with families, and about assessing a child’s learning and development.”

Part of the CDA course requires each student to volunteer in a classroom, working alongside an experienced teacher. That mentoring relationship gives CDA candidates additional insight into child behavior and learning, and classroom dynamics.

Another bonus to achieving a CDA, Seeley said, is that the credential qualifies teachers for a state stipend for their classrooms. CDA-qualified teachers in a STARS 2 facility, for instance, would be eligible to apply for the stipend.

The CDA classes will alternate between YWCA Tri-County Area, 300 King Street, Pottstown, and online. Students without internet access will have opportunities to access online classes at YWCA. In-person class sessions will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The course runs through November 11.

Cost for the class is $400, plus $50 for the required CPR/First Aid/AED training. Half the cost is due at the first class.

For information or to reserve a seat, call the Education and Training Center at 610-326-7323. Applications may be obtained at YWCA’s Early Education Center, 315 King St., Pottstown, or YWCA’s Adult Education and Training Center, 1830 E. High St., Pottstown. Online applications are available at YWCA Tri-County Area’s website, www.ywcatricountyarea.org. The course is a partnership between YWCA Tri-County Area and Dickerson Associates Education Services.

YWCA Tri-County Area is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. YWCA is a leader in advocacy for women and girls, works to eliminate racism, and empowers women through quality affordable childcare, adult literacy, and a host of programs to support the health and vitality of women, girls, and families.