Free Resources for CBO Teacher Candidates
In partnership with
Overview
The Division of Early Childhood Education (DECE), in partnership with the City University of New York: Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, (CUNY PDI) is committed to offering a range of support to our programs to ensure current and aspiring educators are equipped with the resources needed to be successful professionals.
Program Options
Choose the path that's right for you
Teacher Certification Exam Prep
Credit Bearing Child Development Associate (CDA) Program
Child Development Associate (CDA) Completion Program
International Transcript Evaluation Services
Teacher Certification Exam Prep
The requirements to obtain the birth-2 teacher certification include passing the Educating All Students (EAS) and a Contest Specialty Test (CST). The EAS tests professional and pedagogical knowledge and skills necessary for effectively teaching all New York State students. There are five competencies assessed in the test: Diverse Student Populations, English Language Learners Students with Disabilities and Other Special Learning Needs, Teacher Responsibilities, and School-Home Relationships.
The Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) exam, satisfies the CST requirements; it is split into three parts: Literacy and English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Arts & Sciences.
Vouchers for asynchronous test prep services for these exams are available for study plan teachers. These services are highly recommended for candidates who have been unable to pass the exams and are in need of more robust support.
Candidates who complete these exams with a passing score, in addition to all other required coursework, may be qualified to teach 3-K and Pre-K classes.
How would this help your program and who does it benefit?
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Study Plan Pre-K teachersStudy Plan Pre-K Teachers are expected to complete their Birth-2 or equivalent certification within 5 years of hire. This resource would help teachers who are ready to take exams and are in need of support to prepare as well as cover the exam cost.
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3-K teachers3K teachers with ECE degrees are considered qualified fully 3-K with the Birth-2 teacher or equivalent certification.
Eligibility
Apply
Application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Seats are limited and will be honored on a first come, first served basis.
Credit Bearing Child Development Associate (CDA) Program
Candidates will have the opportunity to complete 12 college credits that lead to the Child Development Associate (CDA), which is a nationally-recognized credential within the early childhood education sector. The CDA is based on a core set of competency standards that guide early childhood professionals toward becoming qualified educators of young children.
The program is offered in both English and Spanish. Candidates will have access to books, program materials, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid (FA) certification, exam vouchers, and exam completion support. Coursework can be articulated to seven CUNY and SUNY colleges and be used for Continuing Teacher and Learning Education (CTLE) requirements.
Earning a CDA will allow candidates to become Study Plan Infants/Toddlers teachers and qualified Teacher Assistants in Head Start programs.
How would this help your program and who does it benefit?
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Staff members who want to begin their pathway to becoming a lead teacherTeacher assistants, aides, or other staff can be supported by enrolling in a credit-bearing CDA program.
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Study Plan Infants/Toddlers teacher candidatesA CDA is a minimum requirement for Study Plan Infants/Toddlers teachers within Article 47 programs. They are expected to enroll in an Associate in Early Childhood Education degree and complete the degree within 7 years. A CDA is a minimum requirement for Early Head Start Lead Teachers.
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Teacher Assistants in Head Start programsHead Start teachers are required to have a minimum of a CDA within 2 years of hire.
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Teachers interested in obtaining 12 Early Childhood Education creditsBecause this is a credit-bearing program, candidates can obtain additional credits and deepen their understanding within early childhood education.
Eligibility
Apply
Application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Seats are limited and will be honored on a first come, first served basis.
Child Development Associate (CDA) Completion Program
Intended for individuals who have already completed the 120 hours of lecture from any CDA training provider, this program assists individuals with portfolio completion, exam prep, credential application, Educational Incentive Program (EIP) application to cover exam fees, and assistance finding a PD specialist. Cohorts offered in both English and Spanish.
How would this help your program and who does it benefit?
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Staff members who want to continue their pathway to obtaining their CDAStaff members will get the additional support needed to complete all the requirements of the CDA credential beyond the lecture hours.
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Study Plan Infants/Toddlers teacher candidatesA CDA is a minimum requirement for Study Plan Infants/Toddlers teachers within Article 47 programs. They are expected to enroll in an Associate in Early Childhood Education degree and complete the degree within 7 years. A CDA is a minimum requirement for Early Head Start teachers.
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Teacher Assistants in Head Start programsHead Start teachers are required to have a minimum of a CDA within 2 years of hire.
Eligibility
Apply
Application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Seats are limited and will be honored on a first come, first served basis.
International Transcript Evaluation Services
Do you need your international degrees evaluated to be eligible for NYS Teacher certification?
With a commitment to work in a NYC DECE CBO, your international degrees will be translated and evaluated to support your application to become a NYS Teacher or Teacher on Study Plan.
Eligibility
Apply
Application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Seats are limited and will be honored on a first come, first served basis.