Indiana Non Formal CDA Project
Empowering early childhood educators with greater knowledge and advanced skills to better meet children’s individual needs and enhance the overall quality of care and education.
WHAT IS CDA?
Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential. The CDA® is a nationally recognized credential awarded to individuals who complete specified training, pass an exam and complete an assessment. The CDA® prepares those seeking opportunities to work in early childhood education to meet children’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth. The Child Development Associate Credential™ is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and is a key step in early childhood education’s professional development.
WHAT IS THE INDIANA NON-FORMAL CDA® PROJECT?
The Indiana Non Formal CDA® Project is a scholarship program helps early childhood educators complete the professional early childhood education, and assessment necessary to apply for, and earn the national Child Development Associate® (CDA®) Credential™ administered by the Council for Professional Recognition.
The Indiana Non Formal CDA® Project scholarships are made possible through funding from the Child Care Development Block Grant awarded to the Office of Early Childhood, and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL), a division of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), and the Indiana Division of Workforce Development (DWD) funds provided to local Adult Education Programs. The project is administered by the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children, Inc. (INAEYC).
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THIS TRAINING OPTION?
The CDA® training course includes 120 clock-hours of face-to-face, virtual or hybrid training, taught by instructors contracted by INAEYC. The instructors have met the qualifications and experience required, which includes a master’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or Special Education with experience in early childhood teacher credentialing.
During the course the instructors will provide guidance through each step of the course and credentialing process. This includes development of a professional portfolio and preparation for the CDA® final exam.
Adult Education Support
Receive additional support relating to early childhood workforce practices and skills needed to succeed from the local Adult Education Program, provided in partnership with INAEYC. Services provided will be based on individual Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) Assessment scores and provided simultaneously and contextually with the CDA® early childhood education course based on the Council’s Essentials textbook.
Professional Development Support
Receive guidance through each step of the CDA® early childhood education course and credentialing process from a team of specialists: on-site, virtual and hybrid advisor visits; development of professional portfolio and preparation of CDA final exam and credentialing process.
THE BENEFITS OF THE CDA® CREDENTIAL
- Empowers early childhood educators with greater knowledge by advancing their skills, enabling them to better meet children’s individual needs and enhance the overall quality of care and education.
- Is recognized nationally, enhancing career opportunities for the early childhood educator no matter where he or she works.
SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE
The CDA® Early Childhood Education course provided through the Indiana Non Formal CDA® Project is available to individuals at no cost contingent upon meeting the eligibility criteria established relating to financial and service need. The scholarship supports the cost of instruction, textbooks, adult education support and advisor services, and final CDA® assessment/credentialing.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
Earn a $200 bonus awarded upon the successful completion of 120 clock-hours of CDA® Early Childhood Education and the awarding of the CDA® Credential.