CDA Pathway Trainee

  • Arden
  • Wcca

WNCSource’s CDA Pathway Program is a career advancement training program open to a limited number of participants called CDA Pathway Trainees. It is designed to encourage and support the Trainees as they work to earn their Child Development Associate Credential (“CDA”).

A CDA is a nationally-recognized certification administered by the Council for Professional Recognition that demonstrates the holder is experienced and knowledgeable about early childhood development so they are well-qualified to care for and teach young children. A CDA is the minimum qualification required to work in many childcare and preschool centers, so getting a CDA qualifies the holder for many jobs, such as an early childhood educator or can be a stepping stone to move into other positions that require a CDA. This is especially true in high quality Head Start programs like WNCSource’s Children’s Services, which strengthen families and communities by providing early childcare and education for those families most in need.

There are different types of CDAs, and our CDA Pathway Program assists participants with either the Infant-Toddler CDA (to work with birth to 3 year olds) or the Preschool CDA (to work with 3 to 5 year olds). To obtain a CDA, you must have 480 hours experience, have 120 clock hours of specific education/training, put together a professional portfolio, apply, and take an exam. In our CDA Pathway Program, a plan and timeline will be set up upon hire for each Trainee to help them complete the steps necessary to obtain a CDA, which may include (depending on each individual Trainee’s work history and prior training/education): getting on-the-job training/experience and/or education hours, financial assistance with the application fee, and working with mentors to complete the professional portfolio.

If a Trainee is gaining experience hours through our CDA Pathway Program, after attending Orientation, the Trainee will provide supplemental support to teachers working with children who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical abilities. This Trainee will assist the teachers in providing high-quality, educational experiences to enhance school readiness that comply with the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education and Head Start Performance Standards and/or NC Pre-K program requirements, as applicable.

Once the Trainee has successfully completed the CDA Pathway Program and has their CDA, they are qualified to apply for other positions with WNCSource!

Thank you for your interest in WNCSource We are always looking for talented team members who share our mission to create positive change in our community. WNCSource is located in the beautiful mountains of Western NC. At WNCSouce we care about the communities we serve and its people. We are a private not-for-profit organization providing many life changing sources under one umbrella, serving thousands of people who strive to improve their self-reliance.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:
High School Diploma or GED.


EXPERIENCE:
Has cared for young children.