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Delores Jackson, R.N., M.S.N., Coordinator/Advisor
2755 E. Napier Avenue
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022
269-927-3571, or
269-927-8100, ext. 5092
E-mail: jacksond@lakemichigancollege.edu
Michigan & Northern Indiana Toll Free
1-800-252-1562

The CDA credential is a license you get from the national credentialing program which certifies that you have training and experience to be a child care provider. It is NOT granted by Lake Michigan College. LMC offers the 120 hours of education (see #4 below) required as part of the credential. This can be obtained by taking and passing ELCH 110 Introduction to Early Childhood Education, ELCH 111 Early Childhood Learning Environment, and ELCH 112 Curriculum Planning for Young Children. The following information is to assist you with the steps you need to take to apply for this credential.

You may be eligibile for a CDA Credential if you:

1. Are 18 years or older, and possess a high school diploma or equivalent, have the ability to speak, read, and write well enough to fulfill the responsibilities of a CDA candidate, and sign a statement of ethical conduct.
   
   
2. Have been observed working as leading caregiver with a group of at least eight (8) children, who are of ages 3 through 5 years, in a state approved child development center. In addition, a center based program must have: (a) at least 10 children enrolled in the program (not necessarily the candidate's group), and (b) at least two caregivers who work with the children on a regular basis.
   
   
3. Have had, within the past five years, at least 480 hours of experience working with children ages 3 through 5 years in a group setting.
   
   
4. Have completed, within the past five years, 120 clock hours of formal child care education, with no fewer than 10 hours in each of eight subject areas.

CDA Credentials are available in:

1. Infants & Toddlers
2. Preschool
3. Home Day Care
4. Home Visitor

A bilingual specialization may be awarded to individuals completing additional requirements.

Documentation you will need to prove your Competency......

To receive a copy of Childhood Development Associate Assessment System and Competency Standards, send $17.75 per packet to:

The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition
2460 16th Street NW
Washington DC 20009-3575
Telephone: 1-800-424-4310

For an example of a letter for requesting packet(s), see Early Childhood Recognition.

Lake Michigan College is an Equal Opportunity Institution, affording enrollment, employment, and services without distinction on the basis of age, color, height, weight, creed, disability, marital status, sexual preference, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, or sex. Minorities and handicapped persons are encouraged to attend Lake Michigan College.