LUFKIN, TEXAS, Aug. 7, 2017 –Angelina College is now offering the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
for college credit. This certificate was previously only offered through community services as a noncredit course of study. The program is now eligible to be paid for by financial aid funding. Chandra Cheshire, child and family development instructor, said that the change was made due to industry demand.
“Students can earn the certificate in two semesters and classes are offered on weekdays, nights as well as Saturdays,” she said.
The CDA Credential
is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement. The CDA National Credentialing Program is administered by the Council for Professional Recognition.
The program is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children. CDAs understand how to put the required competency standards into practice and understand why those standards help children move with success from one developmental stage to another. They focus on how to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of children. The credential may be obtained in areas such as infant/toddler, preschool, family child care and home visitor.
Students may apply for one credential at a time. Another application, fee, and assessment process must be completed when applying for an additional credential. This credential must be renewed three years from the date it is awarded. For more information, contact Chandra Cheshire at
ccheshire@angelina.edu. Registration for fall semester continues through Aug. 24.