Program Overview

Child Development Associate Certificate

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate at the CUNY School of Professional Studies is a comprehensive credit-bearing program offered in partnership with the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute (PDI). It is the only program of its kind in New York City, providing students with the required coursework, advisement, writing support, portfolio creation, career services, and classroom observation necessary to pursue the Child Development Associate Credential.

Program Overview

Students in the program will demonstrate the use of the developmental perspective in their work with young children and families, support second-language learners and children with special needs, examine and reflect on their teaching, apply effective classroom practices, and create developmentally appropriate learning environments. They will also learn strategies to strengthen connections between their centers and children's homes and assist parents in caring effectively for their children.

Fieldwork

Students are expected to complete 120 hours of fieldwork per course at a licensed childcare program. In the last course, fieldwork will be observed by an assigned fieldwork observer. This hands-on experience provides students with the opportunity to learn through experience and apply new knowledge from the CDA coursework. Students currently employed by a program serving children from birth to 5 years can utilize their place of employment for their fieldwork hours, while those not employed will be placed in a site agreed upon by the instructor and student. A total of 480 hours of fieldwork must be completed prior to the completion of the certificate program.

Career Prospects

The certificate is designed for preschool teachers, childcare workers, and other individuals looking to work in Early Childhood Education. The nationally recognized Child Development Associate Credential is accepted as a state requirement for working in many early childhood centers. Credits earned through the successful completion of these CDA courses may also be applied to degree programs, establishing the foundation for career advancement.

Admissions Criteria

Candidates for admission to undergraduate-level certificate programs must possess a high school diploma or a High School Equivalency diploma from New York State. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement, and current employment and background as an assistant teacher are advantageous but not essential for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall 2026 Priority Deadline: April 9, 2026
• Fall 2026 Regular Deadline: May 21, 2026 Please note that there is no application fee for certificate applications submitted by the Priority Deadline.

Transfer of Credit Policy

Transfer credit may be awarded per departmental approval.

Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements are in place with several institutions, allowing students to transfer the maximum number of credits with ease to the CDA Certificate program. These institutions include:

• Borough of Manhattan Community College AS in Child Care/Early Childhood Education
• Hostos Community College AAS in Early Childhood Education
• Kingsborough Community College AS in Early Childhood Education / Child Care
• LaGuardia Community College AA in Liberal Arts Option: Early Childhood Education
• Medgar Evers College AA in Teacher Education
• SUNY Empire State College AS or BS in Educational Studies: Early Childhood Studies concentration

Scholarship Opportunities

Eligible students can take advantage of the following scholarship opportunities:

• Educational Incentive Program (EIP)
• Patti Lieberman Scholarship for Early Childhood Education
• Helena Rubinstein Continuing Education Scholarship

Faculty

The program is taught by a team of experienced adjunct lecturers, including:

• Alexandra Portillo
• Alice Blecker
• Emily Torres Marrero
• Gail Krieger
• Huguette Lareche
• James Clay
• Jeannette Corey
• KeShon Mack-Brown
• Shavon Frazier
• Sheridan Povemba
• Wanda Nedderman
• Jackie Zaita
• Khadijah Frederick
• Anthony Miceli
• Doria Escalante
• Maria Stella Lundie

Student/Alumni Profiles

Graduates of the program have spoken highly of their experience, noting that the CDA coursework has enabled them to build positive, curiosity-filled, nurturing, and safe learning environments for their diverse learners. The program has opened doors for career advancement and provided the skills and strategies necessary to effectively work with children and families in early childhood education settings.