Child Development Associate (CDA-CT)

PROGRAM GOAL: With continued emphasis for training for people who provide day care, the state has mandated that a certain number of employees at day care facilities have their CDA (Child Development Associate). Also, many schools are staffing their pre-kindergarten programs with people who have their CDA. This certificate can be earned by students who can document 480 hours of direct supervision of children, plus the following additional coursework.

All Child Development Associate majors should be aware that the State of Florida requires a thorough background check by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement prior to the student entering the classroom for observations. The background check for students doing observations in the Bay County system will be initiated by GCCC. Students doing observations in other school systems must go to the district in which they will do their observations and comply with the requirements of that system. The students will be required to pay a fee for the cost of the background check.