One of the requireÂments to apply for your NationÂal CDA is to have a high school diploÂma or equivÂaÂlent. One quesÂtion we often get at Care CoursÂes is, can I use my high school diploÂma from anothÂer counÂtry for my NationÂal CDA?
… Yes!
The CounÂcil for ProÂfesÂsionÂal RecogÂniÂtion accepts high school diploÂmas from any counÂtry for the NationÂal CDA. So, you can use your high school diploÂma from anothÂer counÂtry for the NationÂal CDA.
In fact, no docÂuÂmenÂtaÂtion of a high school diploÂma is required to be subÂmitÂted to the CounÂcil. On the appliÂcaÂtion for the Child DevelÂopÂment AssoÂciate (CDA), there is simÂply a place where conÂfirm that you …
- have a high school diploÂma (comÂpletÂed in or outÂside the U.S.), or
- passed the GED, or
- are curÂrentÂly a high school junior or senior enrolled in an earÂly education/child care develÂopÂment Career and TechÂniÂcal Program.
You might also be wondering if you are eligible for the CDA if you have other qualifications that you completed outside of the US
For examÂple, what if you have some expeÂriÂence workÂing with young chilÂdren outÂside the U.S. or a U.S. milÂiÂtary base? Could this make up part of the 480 hours of expeÂriÂence with young chilÂdren that is required withÂin 3 years before applying?
No …
ExpeÂriÂence outÂside the U.S. does not count toward a CDA.
If you are applyÂing for a CDA withÂin the U.S., the CounÂcil only accepts expeÂriÂence acquired in licensed proÂgrams withÂin the U.S. or on U.S. milÂiÂtary bases abroad, or in proÂgrams withÂin the U.S. that are legalÂly exempt from licensing.
Many states exempt speÂcifÂic kinds of child care providers from licensÂing, such as proÂgrams run by reliÂgious orgaÂniÂzaÂtions, school-age proÂgrams run by pubÂlic schools, and sumÂmer camps (check with your state’s licensÂing agency to deterÂmine what proÂgrams are exempt). ExpeÂriÂence gained from this type of exempt proÂgram typÂiÂcalÂly will count toward a CDA.
InterÂestÂed in startÂing your CDA? Take our free CDA 101 tutoÂrÂiÂal to learn the CDA process! Then read up on your CDA setÂting. On the fence about getÂting your CDA? Check out these top 5 reaÂsons you should get your CDA.
The CounÂcil does have partÂnerÂships with some interÂnaÂtionÂal earÂly eduÂcaÂtion orgaÂniÂzaÂtions and govÂernÂment agenÂcies. Only CanÂdiÂdates applyÂing with these interÂnaÂtionÂal partÂners can obtain expeÂriÂence hours outÂside of the US. Please check with the CDA counÂcil or one of these orgaÂniÂzaÂtions before applyÂing for your NationÂal CDA outÂside of the UnitÂed States.
Care Courses Support
Please let us know how we can be of any addiÂtionÂal assisÂtance! Call us: 1–800-685‑7610, MonÂday through FriÂday, 9–5 ET, or email us days, evenings, and weekÂends: info@CareCourses.com. We’re here to help!
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