Complete at least 10 hours of child care training in each of the eight CDA content areas and an additional 40 hours in content areas of your choice. The eight CDA content areas are listed in the CDA packet.
Find a CDA adviser and have that adviser fill out an Observation Instrument handout and sign the Direct Assessment Application. The adviser must monitor you for at least three hours within six months of your application date. The adviser section of the Direct Assessment Application must be returned to you in a sealed envelope.
Hand out questionnaires to the parents of the children you have been caring for during your 480 hours of child care experience. Have the parents return the questionnaires to you in sealed envelopes. Do not open the envelopes.
Fill out the Direct Assessment Application Form, and add the questionnaires and Adviser Assessment to the package. Send the package to the Council for Professional Recognition by March 1, June 1, Sept. 1 or Dec. 1, along with proof of your formal education and the assessment fee, which is $325 at the time of publicatoin.