February 12, 2025 CDA Renewal Amnesty Program Returns for Limited Time To mark the 50th anniversary of the CDA, the Council for Professional Recognition is offering a limited-time CDA Renewal Amnesty Program. Learn More The program provides an opportunity for anyone with a CDA expiration date as far back as January 1, 2020 to complete the renewal process and make their credential active again. To be eligible, those renewing must: Have an expiration dating as far back as January 1, 2020 Meet all current renewal requirements Apply online using Your Council The program is available from February 1 to July 31. All applications and payments of $125 must be submitted online by July 31. No exceptions or extensions will be granted. Those intending to renew can begin preparing by downloading the free CDA Renewal Procedures Guide. The guide provides information about renewal requirements. For more information, visit the Council for Professional Recognition’s website.
January 22, 2024 CDA Office Hours with the PA Key Register now for the upcoming virtual CDA Office Hour event for CDA candidates on February 14! Office Hours are a place to bring questions about requirements and completion of the CDA in Pennsylvania. Participation is free, but registration is required. Wednesday, February 14 | 1- 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 | 1 – 2 p.m. Any questions can be directed to Amy Barrett at amybar@pakeys.org.
CDA Office Hours with the PA Key Register now for the upcoming virtual CDA Office Hour event for CDA candidates on February 14! Office Hours are a place to bring questions about requirements and completion of the CDA in Pennsylvania. Participation is free, but registration is required. Wednesday, February 14 | 1- 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 | 1 – 2 p.m. Any questions can be directed to Amy Barrett at amybar@pakeys.org.
May 6, 2022 CDA Scholarship Available for Family and Group Child Care Home Providers Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and the PA Key invite Family Child Care Home and Group Child Care Home providers to apply for a scholarship to complete a Child Development Associate (CDA) through Better Kid Care. About Better Kid Care’s CDA coursework is independent, self-paced and exclusively online. This scholarship opportunity cannot be used for CDA renewals. Once awarded, recipients will receive a payment code to access the online coursework through Better Kid Care. This program also requires the purchase of a CDA textbook package and this cost can be reimbursed through the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance program. The Pennsylvania Key will provide instructions for all of this and offer ongoing logistical support. All coursework must be completed on or before Nov. 30, 2022. Apply Family Child Care Home or Group Child Care Home providers interested in this opportunity must submit a completed application via Microsoft Forms for consideration by Sunday, May 15, 2022. Questions? For more information or questions, contact Amy Barrett at amybar@pakeys.org.
January 25, 2022 Deadline Extended: Spring 2022 Child Development Associate (CDA) Looking to receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential? The deadline for the Spring 2022 CDA has been extended to January 31, 2022. What is a CDA Credential? A CDA Credential is the most widely recognized credential in the early childhood field and is a key stepping stone on the path to career advancement. The credential enables professionals to work in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, in addition to early learning programs across the United States, and provides opportunities for increased pay. Interested applicants may complete the CDA Interest Form to connect with a member of our staff. Please share this flyer with your networks. Trying Together’s CDA Programs Trying Together offers the following CDA programs at no cost to eligible early childhood professionals in Pennsylvania: CDA Credential Preparation Program Spring 2022 Classes: 1/11/22 – 6/14/22 (Deadline to Register: 1/31/22) Fall 2022 Classes: 8/30/22 – 3/28/23 Biweekly Zoom Meetings and Schoology Participants complete 135 hours of professional development to earn their CDA Credential in six to nine months. Participants can matriculate up to nine course credits at Carlow University upon credential completion. CDA Credential Community of Practice Program Fall 2021 Classes: 11/16/21 – 1/4/22 (Deadline to Register: 11/11/21) Spring 2022 Classes: Spring Classes: 3/1/22 – 4/26/22 Biweekly Zoom Meetings and Schoology Participants receive support in building a portfolio and preparing for the CDA Credential Exam. Applicants must have proof of 120 hours of coursework completed via professional development hours, transcripts, etc. CDA Credential Renewal Program Participants review current standards, literature, strategies, and more to meet the criteria for eight early childhood subject areas upon completion. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis. More Information For more information, visit our CDA Credential page. To ask a question about our programs, contact Theresa Hetler at theresa@tryingtogether.org or Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org. For eligibility questions, contact Judy Graca at judy@tryingtogether.org.
November 3, 2021 Child Development Associate (CDA) Programs for Spring & Fall 2022 Looking to receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential? Check out our programs to get certified, renew your certification, and more! What is a CDA Credential? A CDA Credential is the most widely recognized credential in the early childhood field and is a key stepping stone on the path to career advancement. The credential enables professionals to work in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, in addition to early learning programs across the United States, and provides opportunities for increased pay. Interested applicants may complete the CDA Interest Form to connect with a member of our staff. Please share this flyer with your networks. Trying Together’s CDA Programs Trying Together offers the following CDA programs at no cost to eligible early childhood professionals in Pennsylvania: CDA Credential Preparation Program Spring 2022 Classes: 1/11/22 – 6/14/22 (Deadline to Register: 12/20/21) Fall 2022 Classes: 8/30/22 – 3/28/23 Biweekly Zoom Meetings and Schoology Participants complete 135 hours of professional development to earn their CDA Credential in six to nine months. Participants can matriculate up to nine course credits at Carlow University upon credential completion. CDA Credential Community of Practice Program Fall 2021 Classes: 11/16/21 – 1/4/22 (Deadline to Register: 11/11/21) Spring 2022 Classes: Spring Classes: 3/1/22 – 4/26/22 Biweekly Zoom Meetings and Schoology Participants receive support in building a portfolio and preparing for the CDA Credential Exam. Applicants must have proof of 120 hours of coursework completed via professional development hours, transcripts, etc. CDA Credential Renewal Program Participants review current standards, literature, strategies, and more to meet the criteria for eight early childhood subject areas upon completion. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis. More Information For more information, visit our CDA Credential page. To ask a question about our programs, contact Theresa Hetler at theresa@tryingtogether.org or Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org. For eligibility questions, contact Judy Graca at judy@tryingtogether.org.
July 26, 2021 CDA Program Available At No Cost to Eligible Professionals Looking to receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential? Check out our programs to get certified, renew your certification, and more! What is a CDA Credential? A CDA Credential is the most widely recognized credential in the early childhood field and is a key stepping stone on the path to career advancement. The credential enables professionals to work in Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, in addition to early learning programs across the United States, and provides opportunities for increased pay. Trying Together’s CDA Programs Trying Together offers the following CDA programs at no cost to eligible early childhood professionals in Pennsylvania: CDA Credential Preparation Program 135 hours of professional development over the course of six to nine months. Focused on practice knowledge and skills professionals need to become credentialled. Matriculate up to nine course credits at Carlow University once you obtain your credential. See if you are eligible. CDA Credential Community of Practice Program Focused on the completion of the CDA Credential portfolio requirements and preparing for the CDA Credential exam. Intended for professionals who completed the necessary requirements for a CDA Credential. Explores the current theory, research, and best practices related to early childhood. See if you are eligible. CDA Credential Renewal Program Offers support to professionals who are interested in renewing their CDA Credentials. Reviews current literature, strategies, materials, technology skills, and health and safety standards that are relevant to the early childhood field. See if you are eligible. An Interview with Our CDA Instructors To get a better understanding of Trying Together’s CDA programs, we conducted an interview with the former Director of Learning and Development Rachelle Duffy, in addition to Workforce Development Strategist Theresa Hetler and former Innovative Learning Strategist Mimi Loughead. CDA Preparation Program Questions How is the program structured? At first, the program consisted of monthly face-to-face meetings. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we moved to a virtual format where professionals meet twice per month on Zoom to discuss face-to-face and complete online coursework through Schoology. All of our content is pulled directly from what the CDA Council suggests for the test. How many hours are included? While the CDA Council only requires 120 hours, we recognize that some professionals may experience barriers such as working full-time or care responsibilities that may impact their ability to attend class. Our program offers 135 hours, creating a buffer of 15 hours, to ensure professionals stay on track and meet their hour requirements. Another reason we offer 135 hours is that it actually breaks down into the possibility of matriculating credit into higher education really well. You need to have 45 hours of training for one three-credit course in higher education. Participants can actually transfer the hours they complete in our program to complete three courses at higher education institutions like Carlow University. What is the typical timeline? About six to nine months. What will participants learn? Trying Together’s program covers a large range of topics including, but not limited to: health and safety in the classroom; observations and assessments; cognitive, physical, language, and literacy development; program and classroom management; the process to become a program director or owner; creating positive relationships with families; and professionalism. Participants learn how to manage a classroom, build a lesson plan, engage with young children, support every child’s learning, and new ideas they can implement into their program. What makes the program different or special? Our instructors get to know each participant individually and build the program around each person’s needs. We recognize that each professional has barriers in their life, whether that is working several jobs, care responsibilities, or other life circumstances. We build our program around what each person needs to succeed. Our instructors review every participant’s prior coursework, transcripts, experience, and training to make sure they receive hours for things they already completed rather than repeating those courses. This helps professionals meet that 135-hour requirement. We also offer support through the entire process from day one to completing their portfolio, scheduling observations, and taking their test. Not all programs do that. We also have connections with many organizations in the early childhood field. Through our programs, professionals can access opportunities such as the Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship, UnConferences, community events, and more. What is provided? Books and coursework from the CDA Council. Information on upcoming professional development sessions and online materials. Technical support and training on how to access and use the online tools and resources we provide. We lend and technology out to participants who need it. If you are unable to purchase a CDA book, or if you do not have a computer at home, we can personally deliver these materials to you and provide a tutorial on how to use the computer if needed. Helpful articles, videos, and other resources that can enhance your practice. Discussion opportunities with other professionals in the field. Professionals can talk with each other about issues they are experiencing and brainstorm solutions. General Questions What are the benefits of having a CDA Credential? Often recognized as the first step a professional can take to begin their journey on Pennsylvania’s formalized Career Lattice and is a great place to start in terms of personal growth and development. If you are worried about higher education being overwhelming, this is a great opportunity to ease into it and get acquainted with the education process, while still receiving a credential. What do the programs do? Our programs support early learning professionals in building their knowledge/skillsets, gaining confidence in the classroom, and advancing their careers in the field. We want to ensure that every professional feels confident and comfortable in seeking out and applying for education opportunities, including those offered at higher education institutions, after the program as well. What inspired the creation of these programs? Trying Together wanted to have community-based CDA programs that meet the needs of individuals and professionals of all ages who may or may not have experience in higher education. This credential is often thought of as the first stepping stone into either high-paying jobs and/or a credentialing system that involves a degree, and we wanted to make that accessible. What has the community response been? Are a lot of people participating? We received a rapid increase in community response, so much to the point where we are receiving applicants from individuals inside and outside of Pennsylvania. To account for this, we had to split up our applicants into several cohorts throughout the year to make sure every eligible professional receives the support and guidance they need to succeed. Our average cohort size is about 25 to 30 students. Even while a cohort is actively running, we have had Directors reach out to us to ask if additional staff members can join. What is the Professional Development Organization? The Professional Development Organization (PDO) is a grant-funded education collaboration among four universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and numerous partner universities, colleges, and community programs across the state to advance career pathways of the early childhood workforce. The PDO covers tuition, expenses, and other supports to help eligible early childhood educators earn credit-bearing Child Development Associate (CDA) Credentials, Associate’s Degrees, and Bachelor’s Degrees. To determine your eligibility, complete the online application. To learn more, contact Judy Graca at judy@tryingtogether.org. More Information For more information, visit our CDA Credential page. To ask a question about our programs, contact Theresa Hetler at theresa@tryingtogether.org or Lindsey Vicoria at lindseyv@tryingtogether.org. For eligibility questions, contact Judy Graca at judy@tryingtogether.org.
November 20, 2020 Tuition-Free Courses Available for ECE Professionals Are you an early learning professional who is interested in earning an Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, or Child Development Certificate? No- and low-cost options are available for eligible professionals in Pennsylvania through the Professional Development Organization (PDO). Professional Development Organization The Professional Development Organization (PDO) is a grant-funded educational collaboration among four universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and numerous partner universities, colleges, and community programs across the state to advance the career pathways of the early childhood workforce. PDO funding covers tuition, expenses, and other supports to help eligible early childhood educators earn credit-bearing credentials and degrees. Tuition-Free Courses Tuition-free courses are eligible for early childhood professionals who: are Pennsylvania residents, work in a Keystone STARS program, and work a minimum average of 25 hours per week over an entire work year (during non-COVID times). To determine your eligibility, complete the online application. Once your eligibility is confirmed, a PDO Liaison from your region will contact you to discuss your professional development options. Available Pathways The following pathways are available to advance your academic and professional development: Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) Associate’s Degree, Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degree, Early Childhood Education Steps To Take If you are interested in taking advantage of this limited-time opportunity, complete these three steps: Apply for Tuition Assistance Complete the application. Once submitted, an ECE Liaison will contact you to confirm your eligibility for tuition assistance, guide you through the application at a PDO partner university, college, or program, and help you register for classes. Be sure to check your spam folder as it may contain an email from your ECE Liaison. Apply to a Partner School or Program Before you apply to a school, be sure to speak with an ECE Liaison who can help you navigate any fees that may be waived. Among the supports available to students is a free 24/7 tutoring service. View the full list of partner schools and programs. Register for Classes Class offerings at all schools and programs may change each semester. Check with an ECE Liaison or the school for details. View this document for examples of available classes. More Information For more information, contact Mimi Loughead at mimi@tryingtogether.org. Share this flyer with your network.
August 17, 2020 Online CDA Credential Courses Available Are you an early educator who is working with young children? Are you looking to advance your career? Join Trying Together for our nine-month online CDA courses to complete coursework with an experienced instructor and receive a nationally recognized credential upon completion! Available Courses Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Course (FULL) September 8, 2020 – May 31, 2021 | Online | This course is full. Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Course: North Side* September 14, 2020 – May 31, 2021 | Online | This course is full. More Information For questions or more information, please contact Theresa Hetler at theresa@tryingtogether.org.
CDA Credential Course (North Side): Registration Deadline About Are you an early educator in the North Side of Pittsburgh who is working with young children? Are you looking to take the first step in advancing your career? Join your peers and Trying Together for this nine-month online CDA course where you will: focus on Competency Standards and Best Practices that support healthy early development in young children; complete online coursework; receive support from an experienced instructor; and receive a nationally recognized credential upon completion. Session Details Course Timeline: September 14, 2020 – May 31, 2021 Delivery: Online (Schoology and Zoom) Course Instructor: Theresa Hetler CDA Orientation Date: September 2, 2020 Registration closes on September 2, 2020. Space is limited. Registration To register, complete our online form. Please note that this listing is not a one-day, in-person event. This online course runs from September 14, 2020 to May 31, 2020. More information will be provided after registration. More Information For questions or more information, please contact Theresa Hetler at theresa@tryingtogether.org. Share this flyer with your network.
