CDA accrediting body recognizes Penn Foster College's Undergraduate Certificate for CDA Credential Preparation program in developing early childhood professionals

/EINPresswire.com/ -- SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwired - August 18, 2016) - Penn Foster College, a provider of online affordable degree programs in high-growth fields, announced its new partnership with the Council for Professional Recognition, the national body that administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) National Credentialing Program. The Council for Professional Recognition promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in the early childhood education of children aged birth to 5 years old. The council's goal is to meet the growing need for qualified early child care and education staff by partnering with postsecondary institutions that provide industry-aligned early childhood education programs.

"As part of the Council's professional development goals, we're announcing our strategic partnership with Penn Foster College, and recognize its Undergraduate Certificate in CDA Credential Preparation as an exemplary program for aspiring early childhood educators," said Valora Washington, CEO, Council for Professional Recognition. "Our partnerships with postsecondary institutions like Penn Foster College will ensure that the CDA® continues to be 'the Best First Step' for early educators and education students."

Penn Foster College underwent a year-long examination period where the Council reviewed the entire Undergraduate Certificate program to ensure the curriculum and content met the professional development requirements aligned with the CDA. As with every partner, the Council will share ideas for improvement and updates to the program on an ongoing basis, and will provide Penn Foster College with status reports on CDA candidates on a quarterly or yearly basis.

A dedicated Council staff member will support Penn Foster College in its work with CDA candidates to navigate the application process and to answer any questions students may have. Students will also benefit from a quicker review turnaround once they've submitted their application to the Council, and will have access to customized webinars provided by the Council to support ongoing professional development. In addition, Penn Foster's instructors will be given the opportunity to receive additional training from the Council to be able to serve as Professional Development Specialists.

"Our partnership with the Council for Professional Recognition will benefit our students who are working toward their CDA Credential. We are thrilled to partner with this organization to help our students earn the skills they need to be successful in their Child Development careers," said Dara Warn, Chief Outcomes Officer, Penn Foster.

Penn Foster College is now listed under the national directory for CDA Credential preparation programs on the Council's website.

About the Council for Professional Recognition
The Council for Professional Recognition promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in the early childhood education of children aged birth to 5 years old. In keeping with its goal to meet the growing need for qualified early child care and education staff, the Council administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) National Credentialing Program. The CDA Program is designed to assess and credential early childhood education professionals.

About Penn Foster
Students, employers and partner organizations rely on Penn Foster to build the skills and knowledge to power the 21st century workforce. For over 125 years, Penn Foster has been dedicated to helping people lead more meaningful and productive lives and to improving social outcomes through education. Penn Foster provides career pathways for opportunity youth and adult learners through diverse and affordable online diploma, certificate and degree programs, offered via its high school, career school and college. With more than 30,000 graduates each year, Penn Foster's online and blended learning programs are delivered in a self-paced, competency-based model wrapped by comprehensive academic, professional and personal support and coaching. For more information, visit http://www.pennfoster.edu/.

Press Contacts:
Boyle Public Affairs
James A. Boyle
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571.213.3979

Penn Foster
Bliss Parsons
Email contact

570.961.4036