Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  CDAs for assistants - is it worth it?

    Posted 01-15-2020 12:00 PM
    Hello! We are a couple years away from re-accreditation, and are trying to decide how much to push our assistants to renew their CDAs. I've never been a fan of the CDA, because they are so difficult to work with! But I've seen value for brand new employees who don't have a degree.

    We have one assistant who has been with us for 17 years. She's wonderful, patient, loves kids and gets along with everyone. But her CDA expires in April and she is WAY behind with getting CEUs. 

    With the new standards, I'm trying to decide if I will keep spending the money and time on renewing CDAs for assistants who are experienced long-term employees.

    What do you think?

    Thanks as always for your thoughts.

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    Nina Burrows
    Preschool Director
    FUMC Preschool
    Fort Worth TX
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  • 2.  RE: CDAs for assistants - is it worth it?

    Posted 01-16-2020 12:58 AM
    Would you lose points in your accreditation?
    i am considering putting 2 assistants through a CDA program. I am looking at it like a career ladder and hope it isn't a totem pole.

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    Patricia Jack
    Boulder City NV
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  • 3.  RE: CDAs for assistants - is it worth it?

    Posted 01-16-2020 11:48 AM
    Yes, we would lose points on one criteria. NAEYC has changed Standard 6, adding more criteria for training and support, so that the teacher education piece is not as big of a percentage in that standard (one of 44 criteria).

    I don't have a problem paying for good training. This just seems like an extra layer, different from what we do with the rest of our staff. I was wondering about other programs and how you see the return on investment with CDAs. I see the value for new, unexperienced assistants. But for assistants who have been with us 10 years or more, it seems like money and bureaucracy.
    Thanks!

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    Nina Burrows
    Preschool Director
    FUMC Preschool
    Fort Worth TX
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