CDA Renewal

[Preschool/daycare teacher]

For those of you who have earned your CDA, what is involved in renewing it? I know I have to take another class, but what else is involved? Will I have to have another observation? Also, how do you get your class that is required? Daycare takes up so much of my time, I don't want to have to be traveling an hour away to my state college to take a class. Do you know of any on-line courses (where I could take one class only) that would fulfill that requirement?
I am also in the process of getting licensed and thinking about opening up in a building (house) where I can take more children, so I'm going to have even LESS time once I do that.

[heyhun77]

You don't need a college class you just need to take trainings that offer CEU's (continuing education units). You will need 4.5 CEU's (which equates to 45 hours), proof of pediatric first aid and CPR, proof of membership in a local or national association and a recommendation from a fellow childcare professional (there is a list of what qualifies someone to provide this reccommedation). The only other thing is documentation of hours worked with children. I think it's 80 hours (I know it's really low).

You can order your renewal packet from the council for professional development and the renewal process can be completed online now.

https://www.cdacouncil.org

[MarinaVanessa]

When I called the CDA counsel they recommended Care Courses for both first time CDA certification and CDA renewal. Prices aren't bad and they are self paced distant learning which means that you can take your time and go at your own pace and take as many or as little courses as yup want at one time.

I'm not sure about whether or not you need to have another observation though, I can't remember off the top of my head as I have not gone after getting a CDA.

[itlw8]

I just renewed mine in DEC I took the ceu's by doing CARE course That was SO easy. read the book then take an open book test online. I had tohave a letter of reference I was able to use my REACH consultant cost me $50 to renew I believe. Years ago I did not renew because of having to take classes to do so. but because of the amnesty program I was able to to so last year.

My first aid and crp were current so I did not have to do that. No there is not another observation

[Preschool/daycare teacher]

Thank you for your responses! How can I get more information about CARE courses? Also, after I completed my CDA I was laid off because the owner of the daycare where I was teaching at decided to give up her daycare. So I have just been providing care in my own home. I only had one little girl, although I advertised and advertised for other children. So will I need to have more children than this one before I can renew my CDA? I am not licensed, since in my state we do not have to be licensed until we have 6 children. Will this affect my CDA renewal?