The demand for qualified child care professionals continues to grow, especially in diverse, family-centered communities like Minneapolis. If you have a passion for working with children and want to build a rewarding career in early childhood education, earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is one of the best ways to get started. At Hooyo Child Care Center, we offer bilingual CDA training that prepares aspiring teachers and aides to succeed in the child care field.
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally recognized certification for early childhood educators. Administered by the Council for Professional Recognition, the CDA validates a professional's knowledge, skills, and abilities to care for young children effectively.
With a CDA, individuals demonstrate that they can create safe, nurturing environments while promoting children's physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
Why CDA Certification Matters
Many employers in child care and early learning now require CDA certification as a minimum qualification. Completing CDA training provides:
- Professional credentials recognized nationwide
- Higher employability and job security
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Increased confidence in providing quality care
- A strong foundation in child development theory and best practices
In Minnesota, CDA certification also helps centers meet licensing requirements and quality rating standards.
Who Should Enroll in CDA Training?
CDA training is ideal for:
- Aspiring child care teachers
- Assistant teachers and aides
- Home daycare providers
- Nannies and private caregivers
- Current child care staff seeking career growth
Whether you are just beginning your career or looking to strengthen your qualifications, CDA training gives you the skills and certification to thrive.
CDA Training at Hooyo Child Care Center
At Hooyo, we understand that many future child care providers balance work, family, and other commitments. That is why we offer flexible CDA training options designed to fit your schedule.
Our CDA program includes:
- Bilingual instruction in English and Spanish
- Weekend classes to accommodate working adults
- Experienced instructors with real-world child care expertise
- Supportive learning environment focused on hands-on practice
- Assistance with CDA portfolio development and exam preparation
By offering training in multiple languages, Hooyo ensures that individuals from diverse backgrounds can access quality education and confidently enter the child care field.
What You Will Learn
The CDA training program covers a comprehensive range of early childhood education topics, including:
- Child growth and development stages
- Creating safe and healthy environments
- Supporting children's emotional and social development
- Encouraging cognitive and language development
- Positive guidance and behavior management
- Building relationships with families
- Professionalism and ethical practices in child care
Throughout the course, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills they can apply immediately in child care settings.
The CDA Credentialing Process
Earning your CDA involves several steps, including:
- Complete 120 hours of formal education
This includes coursework, training, and hands-on experiences.
- Accumulate 480 hours of work experience
Candidates must have supervised experience working with children.
- Compile a professional portfolio
This showcases your knowledge, philosophy, and resources for working with children.
- Pass a verification visit and CDA exam
A trained professional observes your teaching skills and verifies competency.
Hooyo’s training program supports students through each step of this process.
Career Opportunities After CDA Certification
CDA-certified professionals are qualified for many positions in early childhood education, such as:
- Lead or assistant teacher in child care centers
- Infant, toddler, or preschool classroom teacher
- Before and after school program staff
- Family child care provider
- Early intervention aide
- Child care program director (with experience)
Many graduates of Hooyo’s CDA training also have the opportunity to join our teaching team, allowing them to immediately apply their skills in a supportive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does CDA training take?
The full training typically takes several months to complete, depending on your schedule and pace. Hooyo offers weekend classes to fit busy schedules.
Do I need prior experience to start CDA training?
No prior experience is required to begin training, but you will need to complete supervised work hours during the credentialing process.
Are classes offered in multiple languages?
Yes, we offer bilingual instruction in both English and Spanish.
Can I work at Hooyo after earning my CDA?
Yes. We are always looking for passionate, qualified professionals to join our team.
Is financial assistance available?
We offer affordable tuition and may assist eligible candidates in finding scholarship opportunities.
Take the First Step Toward Your Child Care Career
If you are ready to launch a rewarding career in early childhood education, Hooyo Child Care Center in Minneapolis is here to support you. Contact us at 612-423-8956 or visit www.hooyochildcare.us to learn more about enrolling in our CDA training program.
Internal Links:
Programs – www.hooyochildcare.us/programs
Enrollment – www.hooyochildcare.us/enrollment
Careers – www.hooyochildcare.us/careers
External Source:
Council for Professional Recognition – www.cdacouncil.org
