Really Stressed Out!! Can I use my CDA to be a Preschool Teacher?!

[Blackcat31]

Hello , I read your entry and i agree with most of what you said . I have been in this field now for a short time but i am now second guessing myself and asking is this worth it ? I want to go to school to be a elementary school teacher . Is it necessary for me to get my CDA ? or can i just bypass it and go after my Associates ? I don't see myself lasting at my center for long too much drama and the pay is not worth it . I really want to try to get to get into the school system , and surprisingly there are alot of openings . What's your advice ? Thanks . =)

I think it depends on what state you are in and what their requirements are. I have my CDA and have for years. I recently went back to school to complete my Bachelor's degree in ECE and become licensed to teach birth-grade 3. Having my CDA served me no purpose in doing that.

As for child care, having my CDA allowed me to be more knowledgeable in the field (as any education in ECE is helpful) and also allowed me to be paid a higher reimbursement rate for families I care for on state assistance.

If I weren't providing child care and actually working in the field, I would not have bothered with the CDA at all and just gone ahead and jumped into the A.A.S/A.A or Bachelor's degree.

In my state you can work as a lead teacher in child care centers and preschools, as well as being an assistant teacher in the Head Start classroom if you have a CDA. Which is why I have mine since I worked in Head Start prior to opening a child care. In order to work in our elementary schools or within the school district, we need to have a license and a minimum of an Associate's degree.

Hope that answers your questions.

[Unregistered]

Wow!!

Well I'm located in Houston, Tx and if you don't have a CDA u are offered 9.00 or 9.50 and with a CDA u make between 12.00-14.00$ good luck ladies!!

[Alyssa]

Home Visitor CDA for Nannies?!

Those wages are insane. I live in Texas and began work in a preschool center as an assistant at $10/hr... which I know was the lowest they would offer considering I was only 19 with just a high school degree and some art school behind me. Of course I had to do about 3 days of training before I was even allowed to work in the classroom, and even after I had a list of certifications that I had to complete before I could be let alone in the classroom (assuming we were in ratio for the other teacher to leave, of course) The Minimum Standards for Texas in my classroom were 1:4 for the infant room (2-12 months) where I worked, but the facility I worked at was wonderful and had 3:10 so it was never too overwhelming.

My question/reason for coming here was that I have now transitioned to being a full-time nanny, but before leaving the preschool had begun the process for an Infant-Toddler CDA. Now that I no longer work at the center, I know I'm not eligible,but could I still go for a Home Visitor CDA? The CDA council site is pretty unclear about what exactly a Home Visitor is.... does working 40hrs/week taking care of an infant count?

My ultimate goal is to be able to teach kindergarten (preschool is wonderful, but unfortunately it's not a respected enough position to be able to make a good living off of), and I know that having a CDA would cut down on the number of classes I have to taken later. Any help with this?

[Thriftylady]

I don't have a degree. I have done some trade school stuff, and worked many jobs. I am also very experienced with children as I started with babysitting at a very young age. I do take many trainings and have done many free online college classes. I did graduate from HS. But I am not full. Maybe I am taking to much offense, but I don't like being called "uneducated" just because all of my education is here and there and with no degree. That was my choice really, I was low income and the state wanted me to get a degree I did so well in trade school and they were going to pay every penny for it. My abusive ex wouldn't allow it. Honestly I am glad I didn't do it, because I would have gone for accounting. I enjoy accounting, but I LOVE children more. Sure the money from a degree in accounting would be better, but I doubt I would still be doing it just for the money. At this point in my life, I want to enjoy what I do not just suffer through it. And honestly, most parents just don't want to pay for education of providers. Oh and I am unlicensed LEGALLY.

[Rockgirl]

The link worked.

And, WOW. I can't believe they are requiring that for new applicants!! That's going to deter a LOT of people! I think it's great that they are trying to up the level of education but it's going to be tough for people to do!

They are likely trying to phase out in-home daycares. :/

[Blackcat31]

They are likely trying to phase out in-home daycares. :/

The post you quoted is 5 yrs old