How do I register for Early Childhood courses?

You can do so by mail, internet, fax, or simply come by to one of our locations? See Registration Options.

Do I get any certificates once I finish these courses?

Yes, you will earn a certificate for every class completed plus the correspondent CEUs (Continuing Education Units.)

What is the Child Development Associate (CDA)?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) is an individual who has successfully completed the CDA assessment process and has been awarded the CDA Credential. CDAs are able to meet the specific needs of children and work with parents and other adults to nurture children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework

What are the requirements for earning the CDA Credential?

To receive the CDA credential the candidates must have:

• 120 clock hours of formal education training/CDA coursework within the past five years.
• 480 hours of experience working with children within the past five years.
• Documents that verify their competence in early child care and education. These include:
• 
  A Professional Resource File
• Parent Opinion Questionnaires
• The CDA Assessment Observation Instrument
• An Oral Interview
• A Written Assessment
• Candidates must:
• Be 18 years or older
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be currently employed in a child care setting

What is the telephone number for the Council of Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C.?

The toll free number is 1-800-424-4310. http://www.cdacouncil.org

What is the telephone number for the Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care (MSDE), OCC ?

The number is 410-767-7852,

Other Important Links:

• Montgomery County Public Schools http://www/mcps.k12.md.us
• Council for Professional Recognition http://www.cdacouncil.org
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) http://www.naeyc.org
• MSDE, OCC http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/child_care/child_care.htm