SD Child Development Associate (CDA) Program
There are two options for CDA classes.
ECC CDA Classes
ECC offers CDA Classes for all age settings: infant/toddler, preschool, family childcare, and home visitor.
Classes offered September through May
Orientation and eight, four-week courses
Orientation is in person.
Classes are via Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:30-9 p.m.
The first class of every module is preferred in-person, at the ECC office, followed by three weeks of ZOOM classes. If distance or circumstances provide difficulty, ZOOM may be done for all classes.
Canvas, an online learning platform, is used for submitting work, taking quizzes, and communicating.
80 hours of class + 40 hours of workbook = 120 total hours
Students receive transcript at completion of all work.
Cost: $800
Benefits include:
All supplies provided
Networking with other professionals
Workbook support
Guidance and templates to complete the CDA professional portfolio
No payment due at enrollment
Full scholarships available if you work in a state-licensed program
Self-study online CDA classes
An online course with Smart Horizons.
Options include infant/toddler or preschool/family
120-hour online self-study program
Students receive transcript at completion of all work.
Cost:
$269 due at enrollment (scholarships not available)
REQUIRED Competency Standards book, $28 + Tax/Shipping. This required book has the comprehensive scoring instrument to be used during your verification visit. It will guide you in your portfolio assembly.
$250 for portfolio support (optional), due at enrollment (scholarships may be available)
Portfolio Support
ECC has videos to help you put together your CDA portfolio. Click here for links to these videos.
Initial Application to the CDA Council
Required for application
120 hours of education (ECC, Smart Horizons, etc.)
Portfolio
480 hours of work (paid or volunteer) in center-based care over past three years
High school diploma or equivalent
Exam
Verification visit
$525 application fee (Contact ECC to learn whether scholarships are available.)
Scholarship qualifications
Work in a licensed/registered program
Complete the CDA Program
Contact ECC at 605-342-6464 to schedule portfolio review and assess scholarship paperwork.
CDA information
Renewal Application to the CDA Council
Renewal scholarships may be available
Call us at 605-342-6464 for more information about potential renewal fee scholarships
