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CDA Professional Resource File

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The Professional Resource File is a collection of materials that early childhood professionals use in their work with young children and their families. eCDA students prepare a professional Resource File because as evidence of what the CDA candidate believes is valuable information to use in their work. This allows an opportunity for the CDA candidate to gain experience in locating resources and communicating skills and knowledge.

The completed Resource File is a tool that the Early Childhood Professional uses during his/her career in early childhood education and can be used as a reference manual.

Three-ring binder with labeled files

The finished product can be in various formats:

  • three-ring binder
  • labeled file folders in a box

While there are no requirements for how the Resource File should look, it is important the Resource File be neat, organized, professional looking, portable, and legible. The Resource File will be used daily, and updated with new materials.

3 Sections of the Resource File

Autobiography

This is the section where you write about yourself. You first identify who; and second, you explain what influenced your decision to work with young children.

Statements of Competence

You must write six (6) Statements of Competence based on the six Competency Goals. You can access the CDA Competency Goals now here. You begin writing each Statement of Competence with the following six (6) Competency Goal Statements:

  • Goal 1: To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment.
  • Goal 2: To advance physical and intellectual competence.
  • Goal 3: To support social and emotional development and to provide positive guidance.
  • Goal 4: To establish positive and productive relationships with families.
  • Goal 5: To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs.
  • Goal 6: To maintain a commitment to professionalism.

Resource Collection

This part of the Resource File consists of 17 specific items called the Resource Collection. These items must be organized by Competency Goal areas and numbered so that each item can be located easily during the Council Representative verification visit.