CDA Fast Track

3-Day CDA Fast Track 

Get CDA Ready in as few as 3 Days.

We know how easy it is to get so wrapped up in doing your job – that days, weeks, months and even years go by before you even realize it.  Now – like never before – it is vitally important to plan for your career, your life, AND your future.  At NICCM and HandPrint, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals and dreams AND we have developed a FAST TRACK method to help you do this. 

Having and maintaining a National CDA is more important to the success of your career than ever before.  Now there is an option in which you can literally get CDA ready over a week-end. In addition to being available through live 3-day events, the CDA Fast Track course is also available through our innovative video web-based Distance Learning Program. 

Click Here for the CDA Fast Track Distance Learning Program

Click Here to View Our Brochure 

Click Here for a list of Upcoming Events 

Course Content and Schedule

The Child Development Associate (CDA) is a nationally accepted early childhood credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. The CDA Fast Track course helps participants understand and meet the requirements of the Child Development Associate (CDA). 

Day 1:

Class A: 7:00am -12:00pm  (5 Contact Hours/.5 CEUs)

Introduction: Overview of the course

Unit 1:    Keys to Writing CDA Competency Statement
  Competency Statement 1:  Planning a safe and healthy learning environment
         
       Unit 2:    Competency Statement 2:  Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development

Class B: 12:30pm- 5:30pm  (5 Contact Hours/.5 CEUs)  

        Unit 3:   Competency Statement 3:  Supporting children’s social and emotional development

        Unit 4:   Competency Statement 4:  Establishing positive and productive relationships with families

        Unit 5:   Competency Statement 5:  Ensuring a well-run purposeful program

        Unit 6:   Competency Statement 6:  Maintaining a commitment to professionalism

         Documenting Professional Education- 8 CDA Subject Areas 

Day 2:

Class C: 8:00am-3:00pm (7 Contact Hours/.7 CEU's)

         (arrivals will be staggered, students will be scheduled as early as 8:00am

Class D: 4:00pm - 7:00pm (3 Contact Hours/.3 CEUs)

         (dissmissal will be staggered, students will be dismissed throughout the evening)

                                                   C & D Class Content

                Directed Portfolio Lab:  The Directed Portfolio Lab allows for individual consultation & one-on-one time with the instructor.  Participants will work on their portfolio and meet with the instructor to discuss their statements and the documentation within their professional portfolio.

                The Professional Philosophy Statement
                Individual consultations-allows one on one with instructors
 
 Day 3:

Class E: 8:00am-3:00pm (7 Contact Hours/.7 CEU's) 

Class F: 4:00pm - 7:00pm (3 Contact Hours/.3 CEUs)

                                                   E & F Class Content 

        Unit 7:    CDA Practice Exam
         Unit 8:    Instructions on completing the process
                             Understanding the Verification Visit
                             The Application Process
                             Choosing your PD Specialist
                             Finding a Pearson Vue testing site 

Cost 

Registration Fees: Entire Conference
Early Registration (31+ Days in Advance) $509.00
Regular Registration (11-30 Days in Advance) $559.00
Late Registration (Within 10 Days of the Event) $609.00
Distance Learning Program (Web-Based Online Video)
Distance Learning Program (additional $35 for Shipping Priority Mail)  $559.00
 
All registration fees and other fees are non-refundable.
 

Other Information

The basic components to a National CDA include the following:

(These are NOTrequired before beginning the NICCM CDA Fast Track Course)

1.  Writing a "Professional Portfolio":  The NICCM 3-Day CDA Fast Track Introduces you to the National CDA Program, helps you prepare for your Professional Portfolio including: Writing competency statements, gathering resources, and writing a Professional Philosophy statement.  

2. 120 contact hours of training in specific content areas: This may have been received over your entire career.  NICCM 3-Day CDA Fast Track participants will bring all training certificates, session descriptions, college transcripts or course work that they have completed to the class. The program will include an opportunity for a one-on-one consultation with the presenter to help you structure any previous training into the correct content areas.  The instructor will also provide you with a training plan to expedite the completion of any hours that you may have a shortage in.

3. Documentation of 480 Hours Work Experience

4. Application to CDA Council.  After completing the CDA Fast Track Course and meeting all CDA requirements applicants will apply online and submit the fee of $425 to the Council for Professional Recognition.

  •  The P.D. (Professional Development) Specialist: After you have completed the Professional Portfolio and the training hours summary, You will choose a PD Specialist and arrange a site visit at your center.   The NICCM 3-Day CDA Fast Track program will prepare you for this process and provide a step-by-step foundation for your PD Specialist site visit.
  • The Pearson Vue Exam:   The Pearson Vue Exam is the final step in the National CDA process.  This computer based exam will be an overview of the CDA standards.  The NICCM 3-Day CDA Fast Track will prepare you for this test and provide you with instructions on choosing a testing site in your area.

Additional Components Necessary: Before applying for a CDA applicants must also have a valid high school diploma or GED.   In addition, family questionnaires must be distributed and collected.  The NICCM 3-Day CDA Fast track will provide a structure for satisfying and documenting these requirements. 

 

Click Here to Register Online Now!

 

 
 

Director Credential/NAC participants are saying...

"NICCM has been an excellent partner in my career development. They have always taken the time to answer questions and give guidance." Anitra Starks, Orlando-Jan. 2022

"Thank you for making this class affordable and easy to get through." Brittany Covan, Orlando-Jan. 2022

"Bradley and the staff are very helpful with the learning process. Bradley makes learning the information fun and informative!" Drusilla Kroll, West Palm Beach-April 2022      you can't see this 

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CDA Fast Track participants are saying...

“I will never forget this experience. It was amazing !! And having the opportunity to have such amazing people and uplifting people around, you just made it 10 times better. You guys have an amazing staff and I am so grateful that I was able to accomplish everything I did this weekend.” Mikalah Mae, Tampa-February 2024

"Most dedicated, passionate, fun and educated team I have ever met! Thank you Mr. Bradley, Ms. Amber, Ms. Melanie and Ms. Pepper for an Amazing weekend! God Bless!" Marie Cerbone, Miami-January 2024

"This has been a very enlightening event. So very organized and put together. The whole staff is amazing." Terry Walters, Miami-Feb. 2022  you can't see this ok

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About Bradley

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Bradley Smith has been an adult educator and motivational speaker for over 20 years.

His knowledge and expertise in the areas of child care center management, human resources, leadership, business issues and classroom procedures ...

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HandPrint Products

HandPrint Products was formed by Bradley Smith to handle his growing line of products that had been created as a support for Directors and Teachers in the Early Childhood Education field. Currently HandPrint Products has a child care training video (DVD) series consisting of 72 titles, a policy and procedure system consisting of 10 manuals, books and other products including his top selling “101 Learning and Transition Activities” book.

Consulting Services

During the past decade, Bradley Smith has led HandPrint Productions to become the leader in consulting of childcare business practices.  This includes: fiscal management, enrollment management, marketing, human resource, small business issues, and leadership.  In addition, the services include help with specific issues concerning handling sensitive issues to avoid fall-out or minimize the likelihood of litigation.  Currently, consulting services are available including: on demand, monthly access, 30 day, long distance, on-site, and extended services.  In addition, career and business coaching and mentoring services are also available.  Contact us  for more information or to schedule a consult.  We guarantee your satisfaction!