Please note there is no application fee for certificate applications submitted by the Priority Deadline.

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For more information about the CDA program: 

Email: cda@earlychildhoodny.org
Phone: 646-664-8283

Offered in partnership with the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute (PDI) the Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate at the CUNY School of Professional Studies is the only compre­hensive credit-bearing Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate in New York City. The program provides students not only with the required coursework but also advisement, writing support, portfolio creation, career services, and classroom observation in pursuit of the Child Development Associate Credential.

Students in the program:

• Demonstrate the use of the developmental perspective in their work with young children and families
• Support second-language learners and children with special needs in early childhood education programs effectively
• Examine and reflect on their teaching, both orally and in writing
• Apply effective classroom practices and create developmentally appropriate learning environments
• Use strategies and techniques to strengthen connections between their centers and children's homes
• Use skills and resources to assist parents in caring effectively for their children

Fieldwork

Students are expected to complete 120 hours of fieldwork per course at a licensed childcare program, regardless of whether a student intends to pursue the CDA. In the last course (EDUC 203), fieldwork will be observed by an assigned fieldwork observer. A vital source of evidence of a student’s skills is actual hands-on work as a teacher with children and families, which also provides a student with an opportunity to learn through experience. Fieldwork offers students an opportunity to see their practice in light of new knowledge from the CDA coursework.

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 expected to complete 480 hours of fieldwork prior to completion of the certificate program.

Career Prospects

The certificate is designed for preschool teachers, childcare workers, and other individuals looking to work in Early Childhood Education. The nationally recognized Child Development Associate Credential has been accepted as a state requirement for working in many early childhood centers.

The structure and curriculum of the CDA Certificate are designed to complement the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program’s Competency Standards. Students who complete the requirements of these credit-bearing courses, with faculty advisement, can go on to submit a portfolio to the Council for Professional Recognition in order to earn the CDA Credential.

Credits earned through the successful completion of these CDA courses may also be applied to degree programs, thus establishing the foundation for career advancement.

Early Childhood Career Development Center

The Early Childhood Career Development Center provides comprehensive career development services to all current and aspiring early childhood professionals at no cost to the provider. For more info, visit: https://earlychildhoodny.org/cdsc/cda.php

Scholarship Opportunities

Eligible students can take advantage of the following scholarship opportunities:

• Educational Incentive Program (EIP)
• Patti Lieberman Scholarship for Early Childhood Education
• Helena Rubinstein Continuing Education Scholarship

Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements are formal agreements between CUNY SPS and two-year colleges and universities, allowing students to transfer the maximum number of credits with ease to our CDA Certificate from institutions with which we have an established transfer process in place.

• Borough of Manhattan Community College – AS in Child Care/Early Childhood Education (PDF)
• Bronx Community College - CDA Early Childhood Education (PDF)
• Hostos Community College – AAS in Early Childhood Education (PDF)
• Kingsborough Community College – AS in Early Childhood Education / Child Care (PDF)
• LaGuardia Community College – AA in Liberal Arts Option: Early Childhood Education (PDF)
• Medgar Evers College – AA in Teacher Education (PDF)
• SUNY Empire State College – AS or BS in Educational Studies: Early Childhood Studies concentration (PDF)