Child Development Associate (CDA) Class

Credential for early childhood education

Have you always wanted a career in early childhood education? The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education. Family Service CDA class helps you successfully earn your CDA credential.

Be one step closer to your career goals in early childhood education by completing a CDA class.

Orientation for our next CDA Class is Dec 11. Register today.

Overview

The CDA credential is nationally recognized and showcases the “individual’s ability to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of a child.”

Family Service’s 13-week class prepares you for the infant, toddler, pre-k, and family care center credential allowing you to work with children from birth to five years of age, all while checking off the list of requirements for you to sit for the CDA examination.

Benefits of a CDA credential:

  • Career advancement
  • Financial training and assistance
  • Increases opportunities
  • Builds confidence in your skills
  • Shows your commitment to early childhood education
Family Service’s CDA class offers:

  • 100% portfolio assistance
  • Assistance in gaining the 480 hours of prep
  • College prep
  • Books included in the course fee

Books are included in our fees, and all our students are offered financial training. The class offers guidance on key requirements for the CDA exam, helping students feel confident and prepared to take the next step. At the end of the course, participants have six months to apply to sit for the CDA exam. Our trained team is there to assist throughout the entire process.

Financial assistance and support are provided on an individual basis. Reach out to us to start reaching your CDA goals.

Many of our students come from our early childhood substitute training course, ANGELS, continue with us as substitute teachers, and take the next step in their careers to be full-time teachers through our CDA class.

Registration

The orientation for our next class is on

  • (This is not a requirement to take the CDA class.)
Orientation provides an overview of the 13-week class structure, payment options, requirements, and next steps after the CDA class.

Locations and Times

Classes are offered at:
Family Service Neighborhood Place

3014 Rivas St.

CDA classes meet twice a week for 13 weeks. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Currently, classes are held virtually.

Register today

Testimonials

Making a Difference

I had a great opportunity to take my CDA class. I have worked for several years in the kitchen but now that I have my CDA credential, I have an opportunity to work more closely with children. I’m very happy and proud to have finished the class. Thanks to my instructor Ms. Melinda for being a great teacher.

Flora Zuniga

I always wanted to be a teacher and work in young childhood [education]. Finding out about the program made a huge difference and helped make that a possibility!

Anna Rodriguez

I previously worked in higher education, but after having my daughter, I needed something more flexible. I want to stay in education, but my daughter is central to my personal and professional advancement goals. I always ask, how will she fit in?

Melisa Martinez

FAQS

Find the answers to your questions here

How long is the CDA course?

Our CDA class is for 13 weeks. We meet twice a week for three hours.

How much does the course cost?

he course is a paid 13-week training, scholarships are available to cover the full cost of the course. Family Service works with students on an individual basis for cost. Please inquire for more information on our CDA course.

What is included in the overall cost of the CDA Class?

Books, portfolio assistance, college prep, and 480 hours of completion.

What happens after I complete the CDA class?

The CDA class helps you meet the requirements for your CDA credential. After completing the course, you have six months to take your CDA exam.

Does the CDA class meet in person?

Usually, our CDA class does meet in person twice a week. Due to COVID, we are meeting mixture of virtually and in person to complete the course, depending on each participant’s access to technology and needs. Orientation is completed in person with extra precautions in place such as temperature checks, signing in, and mask requirements.

In the News

SA Live reporter and Family Service CEOAngelsCDAHead Start & Early Head Start-Child CareMediaWorkforce Development
August 5, 2021

This group is hiring for early education team members; benefits include matching 401k

SAN ANTONIO — Have you been on the search for an ideal teaching position? Family Service is currently looking for individuals to join their early childhood education team.
'It's never too late:' Family Services helping to train people for early education jobsAngelsCDAHead Start & Early Head Start-Child CareMedia
July 7, 2021

‘It’s never too late:’ Family Services helping to train people for early education jobs

SAN ANTONIO — In the latest Career Connections a local non-profit has the opportunity of a lifetime if you want to teach children. “I found the flyer and it seemed…
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March 29, 2021

Two courses available to help mold the teachers of tomorrow

In this week’s Job Tracker series News 4 San Antonio is exploring careers in education.

Contact

To learn more about our CDA class, call us at 210-431-4422

To register for orientation, please complete our online form.

  • (This is not a requirement to take the CDA class.)