Hey there, amazing child care provider! 👋 You’re doing wonderful work with young learners, and if you’re gearing up for your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, you might be feeling both excited and a little nervous. No worries — we’ve got you. Let’s walk through the final steps of the CDA journey in the most friendly, clear-as-sunshine way. ☀️
🧭 Why These Final Steps Matter
You’ve likely already completed (or are almost done with) your training course, your work hours in a #classroom, your portfolio prep, and you’ve become familiar with the many wonderful things you’re doing for children and families. Now comes the exam, the observation (called the Verification Visit), and the final application. Together, these steps show the world just how ready you are to shine in #early-childhood-education.
✏️ Step 1: The Exam
Yes, there’s a test, but don’t worry — it’s very doable when you’ve done the prep. The exam covers what you already know: working with children, understanding #development, guiding learning, partnering with families, keeping things #safe and #healthy — all in your setting of choice. If you’re enrolled in:
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Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review (for working with ages birth through five)
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CDA Infant/Toddler Credential (for ages birth to ~36 months)
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CDA Preschool Credential (for ages 3-5)
… you’re well-covered for the exam topics.
Think of the exam like the curtain closing on your training story — it says, “Yep, I know my stuff and I’m ready.”
👀 Step 2: The Verification Visit (Observation + Reflective Dialogue)
This is where you get to shine in real time. A CDA Professional Development (PD) Specialist visits you (in your classroom or program) and observes you working with children and families. Then you'll have a conversation (often called a reflective dialogue) about your practice, how you make decisions, and how you support children’s #growth.
Here’s what to expect:
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The PD Specialist will watch how you engage with children, how you set up your space, how you collaborate with families.
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After the observation, you’ll reflect together: “Here’s what I did. Here’s why I chose it. Here’s what I learned.”
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It’s not a be-perfect test. It’s about showing you’re thoughtful, responsive, and intentional in your work.
Your portfolio (see the next section) also #plays a part — it helps illustrate your story, your growth, and your professional philosophy.
📁 Step 3: The Professional Portfolio & Checklist
Before (or alongside) the exam and visit, you’ll prepare a portfolio that tells your story: your training transcripts, your experience, your reflections, your philosophy — all organized clearly. Use helpful resources like:
These resources help you see what belongs where and make the process less mysterious.
✅ Final Wrap-Up & Submission
Once you’ve passed the exam, completed the Verification Visit, and submitted your portfolio (and any required work-experience documentation), you’ll apply to the Council. After review, your credential will be awarded, and the big moment happens: you become a certified CDA holder for your age setting.
🌈 A Few Friendly Reminders
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Breathe. You’ve done the work. This is just the final stretch.
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Stay organized. Use the guide and checklist so nothing surprises you.
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Reflect honestly. The best portfolios show thoughtful growth — not perfection.
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Be yourself. The exam and visit want to see you at your best — your strengths, your style, your care.
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Celebrate! You’re on the cusp of a fantastic milestone.
🎓 One More Time: Your Toolkit
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Training courses:
– Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review
– CDA Infant/Toddler Credential
– CDA Preschool Credential -
Portfolio & process resources:
– How to Find and Work With a CDA PD Specialist
– Birth to Five CDA Credential Checklist -
And for a friendly overview: Your CDA Journey: Training/ Coursework Made Simple
You’ve invested time, heart, and passion into this path. The exam, the observation, the portfolio — they’re just the finishing touches. You’re ready. You’re capable. You’ve got this. 🌟
✨ Follow ChildCareEd on social media for more tips, updates, and course highlights!
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