Fort Worth, Texas (February 3, 2021) – Camp Fire First Texas will be offering scholarships for early childhood educators to earn their Child Development Associate Credential (CDA). A CDA is nationally recognized and according to a 2020 poll on LinkedIn, it is one of the top credentials employers seek when hiring early educators.
Several $250 scholarships are being awarded for the course beginning on March 22, 2021. Each CDA course is an interactive virtual course that combines in-person and at-home work totaling 120 hours over 20 weeks.
“Pursuing a CDA is not only an investment of time, but financial resources,” explained Debra Hanus, senior director of professional development. “Camp Fire prepares professionals to successfully pass the CDA exam. To-date we have prepared more than 1000 applicants through our course.”
Thanks to long-time early education advocate and past Camp Fire First Texas staff member, Phyllis Jack Moore, who supports this annual scholarship our educators, and by extension the youth in our community, will benefit.
Anyone interested in the scholarship should complete an online application by March 12. Due to the hybrid nature of this course, internet capability is required.
CDA credentialing entails in-depth study and application of developmentally appropriate practices for teaching children, preparing and submitting a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating their knowledge.
Thanks to a program with Tarrant County College, those who achieve a CDA Credential have the opportunity to receive college credit.
“This past year, the entire community came to realize what we’ve known for decades – early educators are not only essential, but a vital piece to our economic and educational infrastructure. Continuing education and professional development opportunities are vital to our communities,” added Hanus.
Applications are now live through March 12, 2021.
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About Child Development Associate Credential
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key steppingstone on the path of career advancement in ECE. https://www.cdacouncil.org/about/cda-credential
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children. The Council works to ensure that the nationally transferable CDA is a credible and valid credential, recognized by the profession as a vital part of professional development.
About Camp Fire First Texas
Camp Fire First Texas is one of the largest Camp Fire councils in the country. Programs are for boys, girls and their families and include camping, after school programs, teen services, environmental education, and school readiness, in addition to professional development for early childhood educators. In Camp Fire, children and youth find a safe, fun and inclusive place – a place where they form lasting relationships, develop a sense of belonging and make positive contributions to the lives of their families and their community. Camp Fire youth have life-enhancing experiences and develop assets essential to their futures. Camp Fire changes young lives for the better in our community. Inside and out. CampFireFW.org
