Welcome to the CDA Information Page!

Flyer for SPRING CDA Courses

Providers in Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam & St. Johns Counties:

Scholarships may be available for CDA applicants through multiple scholarship programs!
For the online course, the ELC of North Florida will scholarship the class and the fee to the National CDA Council.
For in person classes, the TEACH Scholarship is available!

For additional information, please contact:

The Children’s Forum: (877) 358-3224
Danesha Davis at (904) 726-1500 e. 2299

ECS Head Start and Early Head Start employees interested in the CDA training program must contact their center manager for specific training instructions.

Click Here to Read a Bio on Danesha Davis!

Frequently Asked Questions

Regarding First Time CDA

Q: How much does it cost to attend CDA 2.0 classes with Episcopal Children’s Services?

A: There is no cost to attend the class for those in Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam & St. Johns Counties, however, there is a $35 application fee for those who wish to attend but work in a surrounding county.

Q: How do I apply for a scholarship for CDA 2.0?

A: You must work for a School Readiness program, complete an Early Learning Coalition Staff Credential Application or an Episcopal Children’s Services Scholarship Application, and attach a high school diploma and a DCF Transcript. Scholarships are awarded while funding lasts.

Q: What materials will I need to bring to participate in Episcopal Children’s Services CDA 2.0 training classes?

A: You will need the following:

A one- or two-inch binder
9 dividers
30 page protectors
12 small mailing labels
One black marker
One medium-sized pack of post-it notes
**Books are provided for candidates that have been awarded a CDA Scholarship.

Q: If I have an FCCP (CDAE), can I participate in Episcopal Children’s Services training class and apply for a National CDA?

A: Yes! Please contact Danesha to find out more details.

Q: What items do I need in apply for a CDA scholarship with ECS or ELC?

A: A letter from your director on the center’s letterhead stating you work for a School Readiness program and have worked at least 480 hours with children, a high school diploma, and a DCF Transcript.

Q: I earned my National CDA in Florida, but I am moving to Georgia. Can I use my CDA there?

A: Yes. The National CDA is recognizable in the United States, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico!!!

Q: Once I complete the CDA 2.0 training with Episcopal Children’s Services, will my instructor issue my CDA?

A: No, to earn your National CDA you must:

Develop a professional portfolio.
Apply for your National CDA with The Council for Professional Recognition.
Select a PD Specialist.
Receive a “Ready to Schedule” notice from The Council for Professional Recognition.
Schedule your CDA Exam.
Schedule your Verification Visit.
Apply for a CDA Scholarship or make payment to The Council for Professional Recognition in the amount of $425.
Once all requirements have been submitted, The Council for Professional Recognition will determine if the candidate has successfully earned a National CDA. An email will be sent to the candidate explaining The Council’s decision.

Regarding CDA Renewal

Q: My CDA is expired or about to expire, does ECS pay for the cost of renewals?

A. ECS does not assume the cost for renewals and does not cover the cost of CDA if your CDA has expired. All candidates are encouraged to use the TEACH Scholarship Program to cover the cost of renewal. Candidates can apply online at teach-fl.org

Q. I have a CDA, but I would like to earn a second CDA credential. Will ECS Pay for my second credential?

A. ECS awards one CDA Scholarship per lifetime. All candidates are encouraged to use the TEACH Scholarship Program to cover the cost of a second CDA credential. Candidates can apply online at teach-fl.org

Q. When should I apply for a CDA Scholarship?

A. Candidates may apply for an ECS CDA Scholarship between July 1^stto May 31^st. Any applications received after the May 31^st deadline will be added to next term beginning after July 1^st.

Q. What are the renewal requirements for a CDA?

A. CDA Candidates should begin the renewal process at least six months prior to the credential’s expiration date. Candidates should do the following:

view CDA Renewal guidelines at https://www.cdacouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CDA-Renewal-Guide_final_May2022.pdor cdacouncil.org
Apply for the TEACH Scholarship Program at teach-fl.org
Select an approved ECE Reviewer approved by the Council for Professional Recognition. Candidates must be sure to get the correct spelling of their Reviewers name and email address.
Apply for CDA Renewal at cdacouncil.org
Provide proof of at least 45 in-service training hour or 4.5 CEU’s or 1 College course in ECE within the last three years.
Have a current First Aid CPR Card
Become a member of a National Early Childhood Organization. PLEASE NOTE: High scope issues FREE Memberships to EC Educators. You can apply at: https://highscope.org/membership/

Episcopal Children’s Services has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). In obtaining this accreditation, the Episcopal Children’s Services has demonstrated that it complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard which is recognized internationally as a standard of good practice. As a result of the Authorized Provider status, the Episcopal Children’s Services is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standard.

CDA 2.0