Table of Contents Introduction About the Third Edition Pursuing a CDA Credential How to Use This Guide 1. Facts about the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and Process What is a CDA? Why is Getting a CDA Important? Who Can Apply for a CDA? What Kind of Formal Child Care Education is Needed? Is Financial Assistance Available to Help Pay for My Training? Do I have to Provide Some Kind of Proof That I Had This Training? Are There Different Types of CDA Endorsements? The CDA Process The Professional Development Specialist 2. A Word to Center-based Program Directors: Supporting Your CDA Candidates Answers to Questions That Center Directors Frequently Ask 3. Preparing for the CDA Process Organizing the Professional Portfolio binder Distributing and Collecting the Parent Questionnaires Reviewing the Family Questionnaires 4. CDA Process: Center-based Preschool The Resource Collection Writing the Reflective Statements of Competence Writing the Philosophy Statement Completing and Submitting the CDA Application 5. CDA Process: Center-based Infant/Toddler The Resource Collection Writing the Reflective Statements of Competence Writing the Philosophy Statement Completing and Submitting the CDA Application 6. CDA Process: Family Child Care The Resource Collection Writing the Reflective Statements of Competence Writing the Philosophy Statement Completing and Submitting the CDA Application 7. Preparing for the CDA Exam Arranging to Take the CDA Exam Practice Questions for the CDA Exam Practice Scenarios 8.

The Verification Visit Scheduling Preparing for the Observation- Conducting a Self-Study What Happens at the Verification Visit? 9. Award of the CDA Credential Where Do You Go from Here? 10. CDA Renewal and Earning a CDA Credential for a Different Setting How Often Must My CDA Be Renewed? Getting a Renewal Packet What's Involved in the Renewal Process? What Happens After the Council Receives My Renewal Application? Earning a CDA Credential for a Different Setting Appendix A CDA Subject Areas for the 120 Clock Hours of Training Appendix B Sample Observation Tool (Anecdotal Record Form) Appendix C Sample Weekly Plan for Infants Appendix D Sample Weekly Plans for Preschoolers and Toddlers Appendix E Professional Philosophy Exercise Glossary References Subject Index.