Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is implementing statewide Professional Development Organizations (PDOs). PDOs will specialize in access to credit-bearing coursework and credentials for the early childhood education (ECE) workforce. Shippensburg University and Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) were selected as the PDOs in Pennsylvania. See a regional map. (PDF)
While PDOs begin their work, The Pennsylvania Key contracted with several organizations and institutes of higher education to offer community-based cohorts so that Early Childhood Education (ECE) Professionals attempting to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential can complete the 120 hours of credit-bearing coursework and receive additional support. The list below has been updated below to include Spring 2020 cohorts. Space in these cohorts is limited. Use the contact information in the table below to determine the best program for you.
ECE Professionals can also find credit-bearing coursework for the CDA at the following higher education institutions:
If you are unable to find a program that fits your needs, contact your PDO.
If you are interested in financial assistance options regarding obtaining a CDA, visit the Financial Assistance page of the PA Key website.