Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc., a child care resource and referral organization for parents, child care providers, employers, and community organizations.

Accreditation and Credentialing
Career Development for Early Childhood Professionals
Professional Development
The Child Care Council of Westchester recognizes and supports child care professionals and programs seeking credentials and/or accreditation. If you are interested in finding out more about which one is right for you call (914) 761-3456 ext. 134

Preschool CDA Program
The CCCW is beginning a new program of study for individuals working with preschool age children. The program will result in the completion requirements leading to the nationally recognized Child Development Associate Credential. If you are interested in applying, click here for information and application. If you need additional information call (914) 761-3456 ext 134 or email barbarac@cccnwy.org

Infant /Toddler CDA Program
The Child Care Council of Westchester is initiating a brand new program of study for individuals currently working with infants and/or toddlers. The program will result in the completion of requirements leading to the nationally recognized Child Development Associate Credential for Infant/Toddler caregivers. If you are interested in learning more about this credential, please call (914) 761-3456 ext.134 or e-mail barbarac@cccwny.org.

Accreditation for child care programs
If you’re interested in pursuing the next level of professional growth, consider national accreditation for your program or a credential for an individual staff person. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can expand your knowledge in the field and/or achieve recognition of a high quality program.

Accreditation signifies a level of achievement for early care and education programs striving to create high quality environments in which all children flourish. It is available for all types of child care programs.

National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
For: Registered and group family child care programs.
Issuing agency: NAFCC, Salt Lake City, Utah
Requirements: Minimum age of provider: 21 years old.
Education: High school or GED & 90 hours training or current CDA.
Experience: 18 months.
Process: program readiness survey, parent questionnaires, self-study, self-observation, and visit by NAFCC observer.
Fee: $495.00, NAFCC membership required.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
For: Early childhood programs other than family child care.
Issuing agency: National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of NAEYC.
Requirements: Minimum age of staff: 18 years old.
Education: qualifications as per state regulations & NAEYC criteria.
Experience: qualifications as per state & NAEYC criteria.
Process: program readiness survey, family questionnaires, self study, staff questionnaires, classroom observations, and a validation visit by a NAEYC representative.
Fee: $1275.00/5years+ annual reporting fees. NAEYC membership required.
National Afterschool Association (NAA)
For: After School programs.
Issuing Agency: National Afterschool Association, formerly NSACA.
Requirements: Minimum age of staff: 18 years old to supervise group.
Education: qualifications as per state regulations & NAA criteria.
Experience: qualifications as per state & NAA criteria.
Process: program readiness survey, family, staff and child questionnaires, self study, observations and an endorsement visit by an NAA representative.
Fee: $2100.00 per 4-year term.

Funding for accreditation fees:
The Educational Incentive Program (EIP) provides funding for assessment fees associated with the credentials and accreditation types listed above. This funding is available to all registered providers and programs regardless of income. When a scholarship is awarded, the fees are included in the total amount of the award.
For more information, call the Quality Improvement Project Coordinator, Barbara Conte, (914) 761-3456, ext. 134

Credentials for early childhood professionals:
Do you work with infant, toddler, preschool, or school age children?
Did you know that there is a professional credential just for you?
Whether you work in a child care center, family child care or an after school program, you can earn a credential to validate your experience and knowledge.

NYS Infant Toddler Care and Education Credential (ITCEC):
Designed to formally recognize those practitioners who display a specialized knowledge of infant and toddler development.

Requires twelve credits in early childhood coursework that reflect the twelve competency areas along with 480 hours of documented experience (may be met in multiple ways).

Candidates complete necessary coursework, provide documentation of their experience, assemble a portfolio and participate in an hour-long review by a professional in early childhood who has experience in infant and toddler care.
Coursework at Westchester Community College.
Contact: Professor Sgro, (914) 606-6224
Assessment Fee = $350
Credentialing agency: NYSAEYC
Additional information available at: www.nysaeyc.org

Child Development Associate Credential (CDA):
A national credential issued to qualified caregivers who work with children from Birth to age 5; available to those who work in a center or family child care home with infant, toddler, and/or preschool children. Bilingual specializations are available.

Requires twelve college credits or 120 hours of training in early childhood courses/ workshops that represent the 8 subject areas plus 480 hours of experience working with children in the past 5 years.

Candidate develops a resource file, selects an advisor who conducts an observation visit, and completes a formal review with a Council for Professional Recognition representative.
Coursework available at Westchester Community College.
Contact: Barbara Conte, (914) 761-3456, ext 134
Assessment Fee = $325
Credentialing agency: Council for Professional Recognition.
Additional information available at: www.cdacouncil.org

New York State School Age Care Credential (SACC):
Developed for school-age staff members and providers seeking an opportunity to gain professional recognition by demonstrating competence in on-the-job skills. Must provide care to school age children.

Requires 8 college credits in school age care fundamentals and 480 hours of experience in the past 3 years.

Candidates select an advisor and a parent/community representative; document competence in a portfolio and a resource file; consent to observations and an endorsement visit.
Contact: Barbara Conte, (914) 761-3456, ext 134
Assessment Fee = $400
Credentialing agency: Cornell Cooperative Extension
Additional information available at: www.human.cornell.edu

Children’s Program Administrator Credential (CPAC):
Designed to prepare early childhood and school-age program administrators for program management and to develop leadership abilities. (For those candidates who have no administrative experience in children’s program administration, the candidate must complete a practicum.)

Requires 78 college credits (including eighteen credits in child development or related coursework) that fulfill the 18 competency areas.

Candidates complete 18 credits in program management and the CPAC competencies, provide documentation of their experience, and assemble a portfolio for review.
Masters level coursework available at Pace University (Manhattan campus)
Contact: Professor Kim, (917) 779-4994
Assessment Fee = $300
Credentialing agency: NYSAEYC
Additional information available at: www.nysaeyc.org

Funding for credential fees:
The Educational Incentive Program (EIP) provides funding for assessment fees associated with the credentials and accreditation types listed above. This funding is available to all registered providers and programs regardless of income. When a scholarship is awarded, the fees are included in the total amount of the award.
For more information, call the Quality Improvement Project Coordinator, Barbara Conte, (914) 761-3456, ext. 134