Child Development Associate Credential
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential coursework focuses on the developmental needs of young children ages 3-5 and the effective ways of providing for their early care and education. Nova Southeastern University’s nine credits of CDA coursework addresses the CDA subject areas and meets the formal training needed to apply for the National CDA Credential.
Tuition
$399/course (plus fees)
Who Should Apply
- Individuals with high school degrees or General Equivalency Diplomas (GED) who wish to pursue a career in the child care profession;
- Practicing child care professionals who have already earned their 40-hour training and wish to advance their level of knowledge and credentialing;
- Individuals with degrees or experience in other professions who wish to enter the child care profession.
For information about program availability, please contact Kristin Bobineaux at (954) 262-8462 or kbobinea@nova.edu
For Students with a High School Diploma or GED
- Completed admission application packet, including $50 nonrefundable application fee made payable to Nova Southeastern University;
- Copy of high school transcripts with courses, grades, and graduation date (if available) or GED equivalent.
For Students with Previously Earned College Credits
- Completed admission application packet, including $50 nonrefundable application fee made payable to Nova Southeastern University.
- Copies of transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.
- Copy of high school transcripts with courses, grades, and graduation date (if available) or GED equivalent are required for applicants with fewer than 24 college credits.
For Students with Degrees Earned Outside the United States
- Completed admission application packet, including $50 nonrefundable application fee made payable to Nova Southeastern University.
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We require proof of English proficiency from ALL student unless they are from these countries – Commonwealth Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand. Exceptions can be made with Skype interviews.
Students for whom their high school education was NOT at an English speaking institution or for whom English is NOT their native language, must be able to demonstrate adequate English skills by submitting one of the following:
- Proof of graduation from a U.S. regionally-accredited high school.
- College transcript with one "English Composition One" course at a U.S. regionally-accredited college with a grade of C or better.
- Proof of English language proficiency with a passing score on one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 213 on the computer-based test; 550 on the paper-based test; or 79 on the Internet-based test
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS*): 6.0 or higher on the test module
- Pearson Test of English-Academic (PTE Academic): Overall score of 54 or higher
- iTep Academic (International Test of English Proficiency): Overall score of 3.9 or higher
- Passing Level 9 from TALK International
- Completion and passing of ELS Level 112 Intensive Program English for Academic Purposes
- SAT verbal scores of 520 or above, or ACT English score of 20
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECA 0101 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education: Professionalism, Safety, Health, and Learning Environment | 3 |
| ECA 0112 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education: Physical, Cognitive, Communication, and Creative Development | 3 |
| ECA 0114 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education: Families, Schools, and Communities | 3 |
TOTAL CREDITS: 9
Coursework for the CDA Credential is available to working professionals fully online. The online program allows students to receive and submit coursework and interact with participants and professors via the Internet, which allows busy professionals to complete their credential without having to leave their jobs or travel long distances.
Satisfactory completion of required coursework.
Requirements for National CDA Credential
Students interested in obtaining the National CDA Credential must contact the Council for Professional Recognition. Information about the application process is available at http://www.cdacouncil.org/.
Undergraduate Admissions: 1-800-338-4723