Perceptions of head start staff concerning child development associate competencies and process

Abstract

This study explored perceptions of child caregivers concerning the Child Development Associate (CDA) competencies and process. A survey instrument was administered to 145 center-based, preschool Head Start educational personnel in order to collect data. Subjects with CDA Credentials, in CDA training, and without CDA participation agreed that the CDA competencies were congruent with their professional needs. Subjects with CDA Credentials perceived that the CDA process had helped them become more competent according to the CDA competencies.