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Where to Find the Forms Needed for Your CDA Professional Portfolio

image in article Where to Find the Forms Needed for Your CDA Professional PortfolioBuilding a Professional Portfolio is a crucial step in earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. This portfolio demonstrates your knowledge, skills, and professionalism as an #early-childhood #educator. To complete your portfolio, you must include specific forms provided by the Council for Professional Recognition. These forms are available only in the CDA Competency Standards Book, which must be purchased directly through the CDA Council’s website. Here’s a guide to obtaining the required materials and successfully preparing your portfolio.

Forms Required for the CDA Professional Portfolio

The following forms are mandatory components of your CDA Professional Portfolio. These forms must be copied from the CDA Competency Standards Book and completed accurately:

  • Cover Sheet: "My CDA Professional Portfolio"
    • This serves as the title page of your portfolio, providing a clear and professional introduction.
  • "Summary of My CDA Education"
    • This form outlines your training and education experiences, showcasing the foundation of your #early-childhood-education knowledge.
  • "Family Questionnaires Summary Sheet"
    • This sheet summarizes the feedback you’ve received from the families of the children you care for, offering insights into your interactions and professionalism.
  • Completed Family Questionnaires
    • These are the actual questionnaires filled out by the families, reflecting their experiences and satisfaction with your services.

Each of these forms #plays a vital role in demonstrating your competency in early childhood education and must be included in your portfolio.

How to Obtain the CDA Competency Standards Book

The CDA Competency Standards Book is the only source for these required forms and is essential for completing your Professional Portfolio. Each CDA setting—Preschool, Infant/Toddler, Family Child Care, or Home Visitor—has its own specific version of the book.

Here are the steps to purchase the book:

  • Visit the CDA Council Website
  • Navigate to the Store
    • Locate the "Shop" or "Store" section of the website and select the Competency Standards Book that matches your CDA setting.
  • Place Your Order
    • The book costs approximately $35. Add the book to your cart and proceed to checkout. Be sure to verify the setting and age group you are pursuing before completing the purchase.
  • Allow Time for Shipping
    • Shipping times may vary, so it’s important to order your book well in advance of your portfolio deadline to ensure you have time to gather the forms and complete your portfolio.

Steps to Include the Forms in Your Portfolio

  • Copy the Forms from the Book
    • Once you receive your CDA Competency Standards Book, locate the required forms listed above and make clear, legible copies. Ensure the copies are clean and #free from errors.
  • Complete the Forms
    • Fill out each form with the necessary information. For the "Summary of My CDA Education," provide details of your completed coursework and training. Use the "Family Questionnaires Summary Sheet" to compile feedback from the Family Questionnaires.
  • Organize the Completed Forms
    • Place the forms in the appropriate sections of your portfolio, following the guidelines provided in the Competency Standards Book. The "My CDA Professional Portfolio" cover sheet should serve as the opening page.
  • Gather Additional Materials
    • Alongside these forms, include other required portfolio components, such as resource collection items and reflective competency statements, as outlined in the Competency Standards Book.

Tips for Success

  • Order Early: Since the required forms are only available in the Competency Standards Book, order your copy as soon as possible to avoid #delays.
  • Follow the Guidelines: Refer to the Competency Standards Book for detailed instructions on organizing your portfolio and completing each form.
  • Maintain Professionalism: Ensure all forms are neat, accurate, and free of errors. A well-organized portfolio reflects your commitment to professionalism.

Conclusion

The CDA Professional Portfolio is a critical step in earning your credential, and including the correct forms is essential for a successful submission. Remember, these forms are found only in the CDA Competency Standards Book, which must be purchased directly from the CDA Council. By understanding the process, gathering the required materials, and following the steps outlined above, you can confidently complete your portfolio and take a significant step forward in your early childhood education #career.

Visit www.cdacouncil.org today to order your Competency Standards Book and start building your portfolio!

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