Jefferson Parish Early Childhood Collaborative

After January 1, 2018, coursework for the Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate, technical diploma and certificate of technical studies must be earned from a Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved provider in order for an individual to be eligible for the Louisiana Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate.

Beginning July 2019, all lead teachers working in publicly funded early learning centers must hold, at a minimum, a Louisiana Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate. For additional information about the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate, click here.

What makes our program unique?

• Partnered with Teachstone and Penn State Extension Better Kid Care
• Blended web-based modules with once a month face-to-face instruction
• Job-embedded coaching and field-based experiences
• Use of CLASS concepts and CLASS scores, as well as Teachstone coaching strategies to translate knowledge gained through coursework into classroom practices

Questions you may be asking yourself.

What is the CDA credential?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children.

Teachers with a CDA credential have knowledge of how to put the CDA Competency Standards into practice and understanding of why those standards help children move with success from one developmental stage to another. Put simply, teachers with a CDA know how to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social developmentof children.

What is the cost?

Candidates who have gained admission to an Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate Program, and who meet the qualifying criteria for LA Pathways Scholarships, may apply for a scholarship totaling the approved amount of scholarship tuition. Therefore, CDA candidates who receive LA Pathways scholarships attend free of charge.

Benefits of an Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate:

• Advance your career
• Meet LA Department of Education requirements for lead teachers in Type III centers
• Reinforce your commitment to early childhood education
• Provide parents with peace of mind
• Learn more about CLASS and effective instructional interactions
• Increase your confidence

Minimum eligibility requirements for Applicants:

• At least 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma / GED
• Work at a type III center
• Must currently work part-time (at least 16 hours/week) or full-time in the early learning center as the lead teacher** (**Lead teachers will be prioritized for enrollment)
• Have less than 80 CDA hours registered through Louisiana Pathways
• Have less than 12 college credit hours in early care and education
• Applicants/recipients may not already hold a degree or certificate that qualifies the individual for the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate

More information on qualifying degrees can be found in the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate FAQs

Classes will begin mid August 18, 2018!

 If you have any questions, please email ec_cda@jppss.k12.la.us