Training and Education

Credential Programs

Early childhood and school-age educators may elect to enroll in two credential programs available through the state’s Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) system.

• South Dakota Child Development Associate (SDCDA) Training Program
• South Dakota School-Age Care Credential Program

These programs provide high-quality training, mentorship, and recognition for individuals working with children in care and education settings.

South Dakota Child Development Associate Training Program

The purpose of the South Dakota Child Development Associate (SDCDA) Training Program is to enhance the availability of early childhood professional training and mentorship for individuals who work with children in child care centers, family child care homes, preschools and Head Start programs.

The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a nationally recognized early childhood professional credential administered by the Council for Professional Recognition based in Washington D.C.

The South Dakota Child Development Associate (SDCDA) Training Program is designed to provide comprehensive early childhood training and mentorship for individuals who work with children in a child care setting to meet the 120-hr training requirement for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

The SDCDA curriculum provides formal early childhood training and professional mentorship assisting each student in the process of meeting the requirements necessary to complete the national CDA assessment process, including:

• 120 clock hours of formal education
• Professional Portfolio and other documentation of competence

The SDCDA Program classes are offered during hours convenient for people who work with young children during the day.

For more information about SDCDA training available in your area, enrollment procedures and program costs, contact a regional Early Childhood Enrichment site.

South Dakota School-Age Care (SAC) Credential Program

The South Dakota School-Age Care (SAC) Credential Program is a professional development program designed to support individuals who work with school-age children in out-of-school time settings - including before- and after-school programs and summer youth programs.

The South Dakota School-Age Care Credential is a state-administered program that recognizes and strengthens the essential role that school-age care professionals play in promoting the growth, development, and well-being of South Dakota’s youth. Two levels of professional recognition are included in the program:

South Dakota School-Age Care (SAC) Certificate

The SD SAC Certificate is a state-recognized professional development award consisting of 38 hours of accessible, on-demand training focused on best practices in school-age care. The certificate serves as an entry point toward earning the full SD SAC Credential and supports continued professional growth in the field.

South Dakota School-Age Care (SAC) Credential

The SD SAC Credential is a state-administered professional credential. Credentialed professionals demonstrate their ability to support the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and cognitive development of school-age children in high-quality learning environments.
To earn the SAC Credential, participants must complete:

• 120 clock hours of formal, online, on-demand training aligned with the National Afterschool Association’s Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies
• A minimum of 480 hours of experience working directly with school-age children
• A professional portfolio demonstrating relevant skills and knowledge
• An observation by a regional SD SAC Credential Advisor
• A formal interview conducted by a representative of the regional Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) system

Participants receive guidance and support of an Advisor throughout the process from their regional ECE office.

For more information about the SD School-Age Credential Program, visit sdece.org/credential-opportunities/ or contact your regional South Dakota Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) site.