Competency Standards
CDA Process
Functional Areas
Portfolio
General CDA Questions
100

To maintain a commitment to professionalism. 

What is competency standard 6? 

100

The number of hours of experience needed in the correct age group in order to apply for your CDA credential. 

What is 480 hours? 

100

Candidate provides a safe environment and teaches children safe practices to prevent and reduce injuries. 

What is 1. Safe?

100

The CDA Professional Portfolio is divided into this many tabs. 

What is 10? 

100

51% of these must be completed and returned to the CDA candidate.

What is Family Questionnaires? 

200

To ensure a well-run purposeful program that is responsive to participant needs. 

What is competency standard 5?

200

When the CDA Council approves your application, you are officially in this status. 

What is "ready to schedule"?

200

Candidate uses a variety of developmentally appropriate learning experiences and teaching strategies for children to explore music, movement, and the visual arts, and to develop and express their individual creative abilities.

What is 7. Creative? 

200

The Resource Collection and Competency Statement II can be found in this tab.

What is Tab E?

200

These are the 3 parts of the CDA Observation Verification visit

What is portfolio review, observation, and reflective dialogue? 

300

To advance physical and intellectual competence

What is competency standard 2?

300

This organization grants you your CDA credential.

What is the Council for Professional Recognition? 

300

Candidate uses a variety of developmentally appropriate equipment, learning experiences and teaching strategies to promote the physical development (fine motor and gross motor) of all children.  

What is 4. Physical?

300

This section is the last section in the CDA Professional Portfolio. 

What is Tab J: Professional Philosophy Statement? 

300

This form is used to document the required training hours needed to apply for the CDA credential and is backed up with this evidence. 

What is "Summary of My CDA Education" and transcripts, certificates and/or letters? 

400

To support social and emotional development and to provide positive guidance. 

What is competency standard 3?

400

In order to be awarded your CDA Credential, you must successfully demonstrate skills and competencies in these ways. 

What is the CDA exam, the CDA Professional Portfolio, and the CDA Observation visit?

400

Candidate establishes a positive, responsive, and cooperative relationship with each child’s family, engages in two-way communication with families, encourages their involvement in the program, and supports the child’s relationship with his or her family.

What is 11. Families? 

400

Tabs E - I are organized in this order. 

What is Resource Collection Items and the Competency Statements? 


400

Candidates must complete this many clock hours, minimally, in each of the 8 subject areas, totally 120 clock hours of professional early childhood education. 

What is 10 hours?

500

To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment. 

What is competency standard 1?

500

The CDA Credential must be renewed every ____ years. 

What is 3 years? 

500

Competency Standard II aligns with these 4 functional areas. 

What are physical, cognitive, communication, and creative? 

500

This is used to indicate the Resource Collection and Competency Statement in the portfolio. 

What is roman numeral? 

500
Candidates must earn 120 clock hours of professional early childhood education across this many subject areas. 

What is 8 subject areas? (Bonus question - name the 8 areas)