What are the education requirements for people interested in working with children at a Head Start or Early Head Start center?
These requirements are explained in the Head Start Program Performance Standards, 45 CFR Part 1304. These standards were printed as a Final Rule in the Federal Register on November 5, 1996. Head Start requires all classroom teachers to obtain credentials that demonstrate their competence to work with children. The recommended credential for Head Start teachers is the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. They also may obtain an equivalent credential. The CDA is a credential that can be earned by person interested in working with young children. A Child Development Associate is an individual that has successfully completed a CDA assessment and has been awarded the CDA credential. The assessment involves providing documentation of training and experience in the early childhood care profession. This individual can meet the specific needs of children and work with parents and other adults to nurture children’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth. Early Head Start st
