Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Do I need to get my CDA now?
amyece 01:28 PM 08-09-2012
Hello everyone. I previously have worked in childcare but have been out of the field for a number of years. I also was previously working on my ECE associates degree.
I am returning to school in 2 weeks and will first obtain my diploma in ECE. I should graduate with that over next summer. I will then go straight into the associate degree which will take 2 more semesters.
As far as a CDA goes I have all of the training required in the specified amount of time. I do need the hours of experience though. I will be subbing and volunteering in childcare beginning when school starts so that is where I will get my hours.
My main question is should I go ahead and work towards getting the CDA while I am still in school? WIll I end up needing it anyway? I live in GA and I believe that lead teachers now must have CDA. Just not sure if I need a CDA AND diploma. Thanks for any insight.
I am returning to school in 2 weeks and will first obtain my diploma in ECE. I should graduate with that over next summer. I will then go straight into the associate degree which will take 2 more semesters.
As far as a CDA goes I have all of the training required in the specified amount of time. I do need the hours of experience though. I will be subbing and volunteering in childcare beginning when school starts so that is where I will get my hours.
My main question is should I go ahead and work towards getting the CDA while I am still in school? WIll I end up needing it anyway? I live in GA and I believe that lead teachers now must have CDA. Just not sure if I need a CDA AND diploma. Thanks for any insight.
Blackcat31 01:57 PM 08-09-2012
Welcome to the forum! 
Your status has been upgraded so you can post freely now
I may be wrong, but I was always under the impression that once you have a diploma in ECE (whether is be an A.A. or an A.A.S.) you don't need the CDA since the CDA is only a child development certificate.
The diploma (atleast in my state) is better to have or atleast worth more.
Hope that makes sense.
Your status has been upgraded so you can post freely now
I may be wrong, but I was always under the impression that once you have a diploma in ECE (whether is be an A.A. or an A.A.S.) you don't need the CDA since the CDA is only a child development certificate.
The diploma (atleast in my state) is better to have or atleast worth more.
Hope that makes sense.
amyece 01:05 AM 08-10-2012
Thank you for the reply. I believe that may be the case. I need to try to find out. I would probably not complete the CDA til close to time that I get the diploma... plus it would be an extra cost. But if it will help me I will go ahead and do it.