Work in a childcare center or preschool. To be an eligible candidate for the Child Development Associate credential, you must be employed or volunteer regularly at a state-approved childcare center and have at least 480 clock hours of hands-on experience working with children.
Complete 120 clock hours of formal early childhood instruction in approved subject areas. Classes must be conducted by an organization with an expertise in the field of early childhood education such as a college, or an early childhood sponsored training program.
Purchase your application packet. This packet will contain all the forms and information you'll need to get your Child Development Associate credential. The application packets can be ordered through the Council for Professional Recognition.
Put together your professional resource file. The file should contain all of the information outlined in the booklet you receive as part of your application packet, such as your autobiography, statements of competence and a compiled collection of professional resources.
Pass out the questionnaire sheets (contained in the application packet) to the parents of the children in your classroom. Each parent needs to fill out a questionnaire, place it in a sealed envelope and return it to you.
Find someone who is educated in the field of early childhood to observe you while you work with the children in your care. The early childhood professional you select will evaluate your overall performance working as the lead teacher inside of the childcare classroom. Once the evaluation is completed, the early childhood professional will fill out and sign the assessment form (found in the application packet), place it in a sealed envelope and return it to you.
Mail in the Child Development Associate credential application, along with proof of 120 clock hours of early childhood training, and a check or money order to cover the assessment fee (currently $325).
Complete and pass a written examination and an oral interview. Exams and interviews are administered by a representative that is chosen by the Council for Professional Recognition. The Council Representative will collect your parent questionnaires, evaluation forms (deliver them in sealed envelopes), and check your professional resource file to make sure all of your items are in place.
Wait to see if you have met all of the necessary requirements to receive your Child Development Associate credential. You will be notified by mail of your approval or denial. If you are denied, you will be invited to try again.