CDA Fast Track

3-Day CDA Fast Track 

Get CDA Ready in as few as 3 Days.

We know how easy it is to get so wrapped up in doing your job – that days, weeks, months and even years go by before you even realize it.  Now – like never before – it is vitally important to plan for your career, your life, AND your future.  At NICCM and HandPrint, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals and dreams AND we have developed a FAST TRACK method to help you do this. 

Having and maintaining a National CDA is more important to the success of your career than ever before.  Now there is an option in which you can literally get CDA ready over a week-end. In addition to being available through live 3-day events, the CDA Fast Track course is also available through our innovative video web-based Distance Learning Program. 

Click Here for the CDA Fast Track Distance Learning Program

Click Here to View Our Brochure 

Click Here for a list of Upcoming Events 

Course Content and Schedule

The Child Development Associate (CDA) is a nationally accepted early childhood credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. The CDA Fast Track course helps participants understand and meet the requirements of the Child Development Associate (CDA). 

Day 1:

Class A: 7:00am -12:00pm  (5 Contact Hours/.5 CEUs)

Introduction: Overview of the course

Unit 1:    Keys to Writing CDA Competency Statement
  Competency Statement 1:  Planning a safe and healthy learning environment
         
       Unit 2:    Competency Statement 2:  Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development

Class B: 12:30pm- 5:30pm  (5 Contact Hours/.5 CEUs)  

        Unit 3:   Competency Statement 3:  Supporting children’s social and emotional development

        Unit 4:   Competency Statement 4:  Establishing positive and productive relationships with families

        Unit 5:   Competency Statement 5:  Ensuring a well-run purposeful program

        Unit 6:   Competency Statement 6:  Maintaining a commitment to professionalism

         Documenting Professional Education- 8 CDA Subject Areas 

Day 2:

Class C: 8:00am-3:00pm (7 Contact Hours/.7 CEU's)

         (arrivals will be staggered, students will be scheduled as early as 8:00am

Class D: 4:00pm - 7:00pm (3 Contact Hours/.3 CEUs)

         (dissmissal will be staggered, students will be dismissed throughout the evening)

                                                   C & D Class Content

                Directed Portfolio Lab:  The Directed Portfolio Lab allows for individual consultation & one-on-one time with the instructor.  Participants will work on their portfolio and meet with the instructor to discuss their statements and the documentation within their professional portfolio.

                The Professional Philosophy Statement
                Individual consultations-allows one on one with instructors
 
 Day 3:

Class E: 8:00am-3:00pm (7 Contact Hours/.7 CEU's) 

Class F: 4:00pm - 7:00pm (3 Contact Hours/.3 CEUs)

                                                   E & F Class Content 

        Unit 7:    CDA Practice Exam
         Unit 8:    Instructions on completing the process
                             Understanding the Verification Visit
                             The Application Process
                             Choosing your PD Specialist
                             Finding a Pearson Vue testing site 

Cost 

Registration Fees: Entire Conference
Early Registration (31+ Days in Advance) $509.00
Regular Registration (11-30 Days in Advance) $559.00
Late Registration (Within 10 Days of the Event) $609.00
Distance Learning Program (Web-Based Online Video)
Distance Learning Program (includes $35 for Shipping Priority Mail)  $594.00
 
All registration fees and other fees are non-refundable.
 

Other Information

The basic components to a National CDA include the following:

(These are NOTrequired before beginning the NICCM CDA Fast Track Course)

1.  Writing a "Professional Portfolio":  The NICCM 3-Day CDA Fast Track Introduces you to the National CDA Program, helps you prepare for your Professional Portfolio including: Writing competency statements, gathering resources, and writing a Professional Philosophy statement.  

2. 120 contact hours of training in specific content areas: This may have been received over your entire career.  NICCM 3-Day CDA Fast Track participants will bring all training certificates, session descriptions, college transcripts or course work that they have completed to the class. The program will include an opportunity for a one-on-one consultation with the presenter to help you structure any previous training into the correct content areas.  The instructor will also provide you with a training plan to expedite the completion of any hours that you may have a shortage in.

3. Documentation of 480 Hours Work Experience

4. Application to CDA Council.  After completing the CDA Fast Track Course and meeting all CDA requirements applicants will apply online and submit the fee of $425 to the Council for Professional Recognition.

  •  The P.D. (Professional Development) Specialist: After you have completed the Professional Portfolio and the training hours summary, You will choose a PD Specialist and arrange a site visit at your center.   The NICCM 3-Day CDA Fast Track program will prepare you for this process and provide a step-by-step foundation for your PD Specialist site visit.
  • The Pearson Vue Exam:   The Pearson Vue Exam is the final step in the National CDA process.  This computer based exam will be an overview of the CDA standards.  The NICCM 3-Day CDA Fast Track will prepare you for this test and provide you with instructions on choosing a testing site in your area.

Additional Components Necessary: Before applying for a CDA applicants must also have a valid high school diploma or GED.   In addition, family questionnaires must be distributed and collected.  The NICCM 3-Day CDA Fast track will provide a structure for satisfying and documenting these requirements. 

 

Click Here to Register Online Now!

 

 
 

Director Credential/NAC participants are saying...

"I appreciated the knowledge and mastery of the instructor.  His healthy balance of humor and handled guided instruction keep the training moving." Victor Melendez, Orlando-January 2025

"It will elevate you and your career in any business, not just childcare." Teniceia Lee, Orlando-January 2025

"Great experience. I try to avoid in person courses as I prefer to learn self paced.  I am very happy I did this one in person. The tutoring was also very beneficial. Thank You! Debra Fajardo, Tampa-June 2024

"Loved the motivational coaching by Miss Pepper, support of Alycia, Amber's efficent multi-tasking and Bradley's jokes and meaningful connections." Sarah Brown, Orlando-May 2024

"Everytime I called, the response is super fast/ Amber is always super helpful/ great resource! Bradley is very knowledgeable /expert on the content/ very organized presentation/ great atmosphere to meet professionals." Shedira Taylor, Orlando-May 2024 t

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CDA Fast Track participants are saying...

"I was skeptical at first but I absoolutely loved this course.  Everything was explained perfectly and quickly." Ella Thomas, Miami-December 2024

"Son muy profesionales y tovieron mucha pacencia con nostros." Yudit Gonzalez, Miami-December 2024

"This Fast Track course should be placed in the hands of every early educator by directors. It is professional, informative and necessary to earn your CDA easily.  Hannah White, Orlando-November 2024

"This has been the best educational experience I have ever had. The best instructors I've had in my life, makes me want to stay in college. I have hope now!" Samantha James, Deerfield Beach-October 2024

" I love how much you all helped us. You answered all my endless questions and truly provide great information. You are all GREAT people.  Thank You Soooo MUCH! Loved Both Classes! Sade Ivey,Tampa-June 2024w 

 

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About Bradley

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Bradley Smith has been an adult educator and motivational speaker for over 20 years.

His knowledge and expertise in the areas of child care center management, human resources, leadership, business issues and classroom procedures ...

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HandPrint Products

HandPrint Products was formed by Bradley Smith to handle his growing line of products that had been created as a support for Directors and Teachers in the Early Childhood Education field. Currently HandPrint Products has a child care training video (DVD) series consisting of 72 titles, a policy and procedure system consisting of 10 manuals, books and other products including his top selling “101 Learning and Transition Activities” book.

Consulting Services

During the past decade, Bradley Smith has led HandPrint Productions to become the leader in consulting of childcare business practices.  This includes: fiscal management, enrollment management, marketing, human resource, small business issues, and leadership.  In addition, the services include help with specific issues concerning handling sensitive issues to avoid fall-out or minimize the likelihood of litigation.  Currently, consulting services are available including: on demand, monthly access, 30 day, long distance, on-site, and extended services.  In addition, career and business coaching and mentoring services are also available.  Contact us  for more information or to schedule a consult.  We guarantee your satisfaction!