Eligibility:
The applicant for the CDA program offered by the Child Care Resource Network must meet the following
eligibility requirements and submit records as instructed on the Application Form:
1. Be 18 years of age or older
2. Hold a High School diploma or GED
3. Be able to speak, read, and write well enough to fulfill the responsibilities of a CDA Candidate
Course Requirements:
The CDA Program is designed to be completed in 12-18 months and requires approximately 480 clock hours of experience and 120 hours of seminar instruction. Additional amounts of time are required for interactions with the Candidate's Advisor/Field Trainer and in preparation for the final assessment.
Candidates must be observed working in a setting that meets the criteria below for Field Training and for final assessment. (Note: Candidate may be employed or work on a volunteer basis in the child care setting).
Center-Based Preschool setting - a state approved child development center where a Candidate can be observed working with a group of at least eight children, all of whom are 3-5 years of age. In addition, a center-based program must have: (1) at least 10 children enrolled in the program (not necessarily in the Candidates's group) and (2) at least two caregivers working with the children on a regular basis.
Center-Based Infant Toddler setting - a state approved child development center where a Candidate can be observed working with a group of at least three children, all of whom are under three years of age. In addition, a center-based program must have: (1) at least 10 children enrolled in the program (not necessarily in the Candidates's group) and (2) at least two caregivers working with the children on a regular basis.
Family Day Care setting - a family day care home where a Candidate can be observed working with at least two children 5 years of age or younger who are not related to the Candidate by blood or marriage. The setting must meet at least the minimum level of applicable state and/or local regulations.
Bilingual
setting - child development program that has specific goals for achieving bilingual development in children; where two languages are consistently used in daily activities; and where parents are helped to understand the goals and to support children's bilingual development.
Candidates are expected to make a commitment to the completion of this program that will enable him/her to grow as an individual and as a professional.
Financial Information:
Return completed Application Packet, along with the $50.00 non-refundable Registration Fee, to:
The Child Care Resource Network
Education Department
1000 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14216
Please make checks payable to: The Child Care Resource Network
Registration is taken on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be notified of your acceptance within a month of the start of the next class. Please see CDA Class Schedule for next available class.
A $75.00 books and materials fee is due the first day of class. The tuition/advisement fee for the candidate enrolled in the program may possibly be covered by the Educational Incentive Program (EIP).
EIP scholarship opportunities will be discussed prior to the first day of class.
If you do not qualify for EIP, you will be financially responsible for tuition.
