Child Development Associate Program

The Issue

Childcare wait lists are months long. Childcare centers have closed classrooms due to lack of staff and Lead Teachers. Local employers report losing staff and difficulty hiring due to lack of childcare.

The Opportunity

$1 million in Congressionally Funded Community Projects awarded to Keene State College & MUW through Senator Shaheen’s office and the Department of Education to provide Alternative Educational Pathways to local childcare providers with two goals:

• Attracting more staff and retaining existing staff
• Opening more classrooms

Alternative Educational Pathway: CDA Program*

One alternative educational pathway is the Child Development Associate (CDA). This is a national credentialing program that involves 120 hours of course work, development of a portfolio and a 2-hour final exam. Earning a CDA qualifies individuals to be Lead Teachers who can work alone with children and in their own classrooms, thus opening child care seats.

The Approach

• Traditionally the CDA is self-directed and/or online
• Centers found that staff did not sign up or did not complete
• Coaching model added to increased enrollment and successful completion

Phase 1 Results

• 30+ assistant teachers across 8 centers enrolled to date
• 10 graduated so far to become Lead Teachers. All stayed in the field.
• 2 are pursuing higher ed

Benefits to the Community

• Professional Development = Children receive quality care and education
• Reliable care = Families can work
• Completion = Potential for more pay, job satisfaction
• Lead Teacher Status = Potential to open classrooms and serve more children

*This program is funded through the U.S. Department of Education Congressionally Funded Community Projects with Keene State College and Monadnock United Way.