Upon completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion. You will have also met the 120 hours of professional development required by the Council of Professional Recognition for CDA certification.

In order to earn the CDA, a candidate must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Complete 120 hours of required CDA training. Complete this online training at your own pace.
• Obtain 480 hours of professional work experience in your setting type: center-based preschool, center-based infant-toddlers, family child care.
• Prepare a professional portfolio.
• Complete a CDA application on https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/.
• Pass CDA exam at testing site of your choice.
• Schedule and engage in a verification visit.

• Email capabilities and access to personal email account.
• Computer and/or iPad with internet to access Canvas.
• Microsoft Office.

Syllabus

Upon successfully completing the CDA Credential Program, students should be able to:

• Define the requirements to establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment for young children.
• Identify the components to advance the physical, cognitive, communicative, and creative development of young children.
• Define positive guidance techniques to support appropriate social and emotional development of young children.
• Identify strategies to establish positive and productive relationships with families.
• Identify the components required to ensure a well-run, purposeful early childhood program.
• Identify requirements to maintain a commitment to professionalism.

$1,200.00

The program cost includes CDA books, Portfolio Binders and Materials, and CDA Application Fee.

What to do if I forget my Canvas password?
Follow the instructions in the link How do I reset my password as a student? - Instructure Community - 409 (canvaslms.com) OR reach out to mhm178@msstate.edu for additional assistance.

What kind of support will I receive?
Family child care providers who are currently enrolled in the Nurturing Home Initiative program will receive ongoing support from their coach. You can reach out to mhm178@msstate.edu for any content related questions or call 662-325-6414.

When can I start the program?
This program is open enrollment. You can register and begin the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take up to 24-48 business hours.

Do I have to be a student at Mississippi State University to enroll in this program?
You do NOT have to be a student at Mississippi State University to enroll in this program.

How long do I have to complete the CDA program?
The duration of the CDA program depends on your own pace; however, you will have access to Canvas for 8 months. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

Application & Loan Process

Application to disbursement can happen in as few as 5 business days!

1. Apply – Student applies on Sallie Mae Student Loans, completes the self-certification and e-signs. Cosigner (if applicable) applies in the same session with the student or links to the application from email.
2. Approve – Credit must be approved by Sallie Mae Credit Specialist; sometimes approved within seconds of application submission, but some need additional review.
3. Choose – Students choose a variable or fixed interest rate and their repayment option and accept the Loan Approval Disclosure either online or by phone.
4. Certify – The Electronic Certification Request is sent to the school after acceptance of loan terms.
5. Disburse – The student’s Right to Cancel (RTC) period is 3 business days. Disbursement process begins as early as the 4^th business day after certification. Funds may post to school bank account as early as the 5^th business day after certification.

Common Reasons for Delays

• Identity Verification
  • Applicants may need to submit a copy of their driver’s license, Social Security card, or citizenship documentation (time varies).
• Additional Review
  • Credit decisions may require additional information and consideration by our underwriting group (3 – 5 business days).
• No Signature
  • Customers may need to log in to e-sign their application (time varies).
• Acceptance Delay
  • Customers may delay choosing their repayment option and accepting the Loan Approval Disclosure (time varies).
• Certification Errors
  • Corrections to missing or invalid data may require contacting the school (2 – 5 business days)

Continuing Your Education with Sallie Mae

Consider a Cosigner

Apply Now at Sallie Mae Student Loans