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 and are at least a Level 1 on the SD Pathways to Professional Development Career Lattice.

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)