Virtual CDA Pathway 

This partnership was formed to provide an opportunity for any South Dakota student interested in obtaining their CDA credential. Thank you to DSS Child Services Division, Sanford Child Services, and South Dakota Head Start. Together we are looking to inspire the next generation of early childhood educators. 

The purpose of the South Dakota Child Development Associate (SDCDA) Training Project is to enhance the availability of early childhood professional training and mentorship for individuals who work with children in child care centers, family child care homes, preschools and Head Start programs.

The South Dakota Child Development Associate (SDCDA) Training Program, coordinated by the South Dakota Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) System is designed to provide comprehensive early childhood training and mentorship for individuals who work with children in a child care setting to meet the 120-hr training requirement for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
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The SDCDA curriculum provides formal early childhood training and professional mentorship assisting each student in the process of meeting the requirements necessary to complete the national CDA assessment process, including:

• 120 clock hours of formal education
• Professional Portfolio and other documentation of competence

The following SDCDA courses address the eight training areas required by the Council for the national CDA assessment procedures:

• The Early Childhood Profession
• Health, Safety and Nutrition
• Child Development and Planning
• Partnerships with Parents
• Programs for Young Children

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The SDCDA Program offers professional growth training opportunities to individuals who are either currently working with young children or wish to pursue a career in the early childhood field. ​

Second Cohort starts Fall 2024

Contact [email protected] for more information on this next cohort.