Credential Preparation Programs

Credential Preparation Programs are available for family and group family child care providers, child care center employees and after school caregivers. Preparation programs are designed for those who want to improve their program skills and confidence in working with children in order to advance professionally.     
 

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential  

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally accepted credential for those working with young. Classes provide the CDA candidate with the training and mentoring support needed to successfully complete their credential while focusing on quality improvement within their program.  

Child care providers who obtain a CDA have knowledge of how to put the CDA Competency Standards into practice and understanding of why those standards help children move with success from one developmental stage to another. Put simply, providers with CDA credentials know how to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of children.  

Find out more about the Child Development Associate (CDA) by visiting the Council for Professional Recognition.  

New York State School-Age Care Credential

The NYS School-Age Care Credential has been developed to promote quality services to children and families by providing specific standards, training and evaluation of school-age staff members and providers.  It is an opportunity for adults working with school-age children to gain professional recognition for demonstrating competence in the on-the-job skills.

Continuing Education Units (CEU) for CDA Renewal 

Some training opportunities award continuing Education Units (CEU) that qualify towards the renewal of the Child Development Associate. CEU's are typically listed in workshop descriptions so providers are able to identify if they will qualify or not   CEU's may also be earned by taking college courses.  The following area colleges offer early childhood courses:  

SUNY Canton College 

SUNY Potsdam College 

Jefferson Community College  

Empire State College  

Learn more about CDA Renewal by visiting the Council for Professional Recognition website. 

If you have questions about Credentialing Preparation contact Dee Burlingame at (315) 393-6474 Ext. 14