CUNY School of Professional Studies
101 West 31st Street * New York, NY 10001 212-652-CUNY (2869)
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate, offered in partnership with the NYC Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, was created in response to new educational mandates, as well as the need for early childhood professionals to master to the knowledge and skills needed to create effective learning environments for children.
The program prepares students to communicate effectively, learn and use new technology, think critically and creatively, and demonstrate cultural awareness. The courses are designed for students who intend to pursue advanced study in early childhood education or a related discipline, and for those who will seek employment or career advancement upon completion of an undergraduate degree program. The structure and curriculum of the CDA Certificate are designed to complement the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing Program’s Competency Standards.
Admission Criteria
Candidates for admission to undergraduate-level certificate programs must possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) diploma. A writing sample is also required.
Applications will be reviewed to determine whether prospective students can satisfy the writing requirements and overall responsibilities of a CDA candidate. Current employment and background as an assistant teacher is an advantage but not essential for admission.
Upon admission into the program, students must also:
- Sign a statement of ethical conduct.
- Meet with the CDA Coordinator to identify a state-approved child development center where they can complete the required fieldwork hours per course and can be observed for final assessment, if intending to receive the CDA credential. If students are not currently employed by a state-approved Center, the CDA Coordinator will provide students with a list of approved programs, and will work with them to set up their fieldwork.
Fieldwork
120 hours of supervised fieldwork per course is required, regardless of whether the student intends on pursuing the CDA. The fieldwork will be supervised by each course instructor. A vital source of evidence of the candidate’s skill is actual hands-on work as a teacher with children and families. The fieldwork/internship is an opportunity to learn through experience. The fieldwork/internship offers the candidate an opportunity to see her practice in light of new knowledge from the CDA course work. Students currently employed by a licensed program serving children Birth – 5 years can utilize their place of employment for their fieldwork hours. Students who are not employed by a licensed program will be placed in a site that is agreed upon by the instructor and student. Students are required to complete 480 hours of fieldwork prior to completion of the certificate program.
Registration
Students who have applied and have been admitted into the program may register for classes by downloading and completing the registration form. 
Please return your completed registration form to the Registrar's Office:
Via mail:
CUNY School of Professional Studies
Attn: Associate Registrar
101 West 31st Street, Suite 905
New York NY 10001
OR
Via fax:
Attn: Associate Registrar, Jennifer Lee
Fax: 646.344.7299
Immunization Requirement
In accordance with New York State Public Health Law 2165, students enrolled for at least six (6) semester hours or the equivalent per semester (i.e. 2 or more CDA courses) and who were born on or after January 1, 1957, must present proof of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella in order to register, attend classes, or use University facilities.
In addition, New York State Public Health Law 2167 requires that all college and university students enrolled for at least six (6) semester hours or the equivalent per semester, or at least four (4) semester hours per quarter (i.e. 2 or more CDA courses), return a Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response Form before they may register.
Students must complete and mail the following immunization form to the address below:
CUNY School of Professional Studies
Attn: Admissions and Student Services
101 West 31st Street, Suite 905
New York, NY 10001
Please visit the following page to learn more about immunization requirements: http://sps.cuny.edu/admissions/admissionspolicies.
Tuition and Fees
Please note the tuition and fees listed on the registration form. Please submit your payment* to the Bursar's Office:
Via mail:
CUNY School of Professional Studies
Attn: Bursar
101 West 31st Street, Suite 905
New York, NY 10001
OR
Via fax:
Attn: Bursar
Fax: (646) 344-7299
*Students may be eligible to receive scholarship awards through the New York State Early Childhood Educational Incentive Program (EIP). To apply please visit: http://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu/eip.shtm.
Contact
Jennifer O'Brien
212.817.7167
jennifer.o'brien@mail.cuny.edu
To access the Frequently Asked Questions for the CDA program, click here.