3.

CDA Verification Visits

To schedule an appointment to perform your CDA Verification Visit, please follow these steps:

•  Go to the Council for Professional Recognition website.  Click Here.

•  On the website, select the PD Specialist tab, scroll down in the drop- down menu and select, Find A PD Specialist.

•  In the Search Criteria Field Center/Program Zip Code, fill-in 20147 to find my profile. 

•  Select the green pin on the map for Ashburn, VA.

•  Select the Contact button for Charlene and fill-out the Contact Information form.

​

•  Once your request is received, I will email you to confirm the Verification Visit date. 

•  Once a date is confirmed, I will provide you with my PDS Number for your CDA Application.

​​

• Thrive! does not charge a fee for the CDA Verification Visits.  An honorarium is provided to the PD Specialist from the Council for Professional Recognition.

​

• If you have additional questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us at ThriveProfessionalsLLC@gmail.com.

​​

The CDA certification process includes the following:

• Attend 120 hours of early childhood education training in the 8 competency standards

• Have professional work experience in a group-setting classroom for a minimum of 480 hours within the last 3 years

• Develop a professional portfolio

• Complete family questionnaires

• Complete observation by a Professional Development Specialist

• Complete a formal exam

• Apply for the CDA credential

​

CDA course competency standards include:

• Safe – To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment

• Physical – To advance physical and intellectual competence

• Self – To support social and emotional development and to provide positive guidance

• Families – To establish positive and productive relationships with families

• Program Management – To ensure a well-run purposeful program that is responsive to participant needs

• Professionalism – To maintain a commitment to professionalism

• Observations & Assessment– To observe and assess children’s behavior for curriculum planning and individualized teaching

• Child Development– To understand developmentally

​​

If you have any additional questions or comments regarding the certification process and/or course competency standards, please contact the Council for Professional Recognition at their website. Click Here.