General information about obtaining a Second Setting Credential

The Council offers the Second Setting CDA Credential for CDAs who hold one credential and wish to obtain a second credential in a different setting.

Summary of requirements

•  Second Setting applicants must hold an active CDA credential, and their original credential must have been earned since January 1993, in Center-based Preschool, Center-based Infant/Toddler, or Family Child Care home.

•  Second Setting Candidates must document a minimum of 45 clock hours of training specific to the second setting. The hours may be part of the original 120 formal training clock hours or additional training.

•  The Candidate must have a minimum of 60 clock hours of work experience with children of the second setting/age group. These hours must be accrued over a period of no less than three months within the past five years and be accrued while working as a volunteer or paid staff in a group setting.

•  An observation is required, by an Advisor selected by the Candidate, where the Candidate is working as a lead caregiver within the second setting/age group.

•  A Professional Resource File comprised of 17 resource items, six statements of competence, and an autobiography, specific to the second setting/age group is required.

•  Candidates are also required to distribute and collect Parent Opinion Questionnaires from the parents of the children in the second setting/age group class.

Additional information

• There will not be a Verification Visit with a Council Representative. The Candidate will be required to send all materials directly to the Council.

• The fee for the Second Setting CDA is $225.

• A Bilingual Second Setting CDA is available for those who obtained their original credential with a Bilingual specialization.

• Home Visitor CDAs may apply for a Second Setting Credential, but must complete the Direct Assessment process and pay the reduced fee of $225.

Please contact the Council's Candidate Services Department with questions concerning the Second Setting Credential at:

800-424-4310 or 202-265-9090.