CORNERSTONES

National CDA, BESE-Approved Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate Program
100% Virtual CDA Offered

What is CDA?

CDA: Unlocking Pathways to Professional Excellence in Early Childhood Education

CDA stands for Child Development Associate Credential, which is the most highly recognized national credential in the field of early childhood education. Obtaining your CDA is the best first step individuals can take to work effectively with young children and families. Earning the CDA credential has many benefits, including helping educators meet state and national professional requirements, learning best teaching practices, and exposure to the larger community of over 800,000 early childhood educators.

After completion of the Cornerstones program, teachers will receive their Child Development Associate (CDA) and be qualified to receive their Ancillary Teaching Certificate from the Louisiana Department of Education.

What is The Ancillary Teaching Certificate?

Ancillary Teaching Certificate: Elevating Early Childhood Educators in Louisiana

The Ancillary Teaching Certificate is a professional credential issued by the Louisiana Department of Education for early childhood teachers in early learning centers who have obtained (at minimum) their CDA credential.  

Cornerstones, a CDA, BESE-Approved Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate Program is a state funded program that provides 120 hours of training in early childhood education, 30 hours of applied practice, and intensive support coaching for teachers completing their CDA portfolio.   

As of July 1, 2019, all lead teachers in Type III center must have an Ancillary Teaching Certificate.

We can help!

Cornerstones is a Louisiana State BESE-approved accelerated CDA program that utilizes online course content, weekly webinars, and coaching allowing early childhood professionals, no matter their location, to complete the course content required to obtain their CDA certification within 5 months. Teachers can complete the online courses at their own pace, enabling them to continue working full-time.

Benefits of The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate?

  • Enables teachers to continue or begin working as a lead teacher 
  • Allows teachers who are eligible to earn School Readiness Tax Credit to reach the highest levels of teacher tax credit (level 3 & level 4) 
  • Meets job requirements 
  • Gains an understanding of Developmentally Appropriate Practice
  • Advance your physical and intellectual competence 
  • Increases overall confidence 
  • Ensures a commitment to quality and professionalism 
  • Establishes positive and productive relationships with families 
  • Ensures a well-run, purposeful program that is responsive to all children

Who Can Apply?

  • Work a minimum of 16 hours a week in an Early Learning Center
  • High-school degree or equivalent
  • Employed at Early Learning Center as a lead teacher, assistant teacher or director
  • Enroll(ed) in Louisiana Pathways

What is the Cost?

CDA Cornerstones’ tuition is free for lead teachers working in Type III childcare centers through the Louisiana Pathways’ Ancillary Certificate Program Scholarship. 

For candidates who are paying out of pocket, we offer all at once or payments in 3 installments. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Cash, and Check. Contact us for pricing information.

What Do I Need To Apply?

  • Complete admissions application
  • High school diploma/equivalent
  • One letter of recommendation/support from Center Director
  • Complete Pathways Verification Employment Form
  • Complete Pathways Enrollment Form

What is the CDA Credential Assessment Fee Scholarship?

Louisiana Pathways Scholarship Program promotes the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential as a meaningful and valid level of training, education and experience that demonstrates competency as an early care and education practitioner.  

We are now accepting applications for Cohort 11.0. The start date will be announced soon!

Questions? Email us at
Cornerstones: Enhancing Early Childhood Education for Teachers and Children Alike

Providing early childhood teachers, especially those working in childcare centers, with continuing education focused on the practical application of knowledge and skills will result in improved teacher effectiveness, increased high-quality early learning experiences for children, and reduced teacher turnover. Our Cornerstones program can improve the quality of childcare centers, provide families with more options for quality care and education, and improve the outcomes for young children.

TESTIMONIALS

“I loved everything about the Cornerstones program. My favorite part was learning about the different parts of development. It not only helped me grow as a teacher, it also provided me with beneficial parenting strategies that I use with my 10-month old on a daily basis.”

J.B., Cohort 4, Slidell/St. Tammany Parish
“My relationship with my coach/mentor was my favorite part of the Cornerstones program. She helped me grow as a teacher. She provided me with extra support and help with coursework and assignments.”
C.M., Cohort 3, Chalmette/St. Bernard Parish
“This Program helped me notice my weaknesses. It pushed me to improve in areas that I did not realize I was lacking in.”
A.M., Cohort 4, Madisonville/St. Tammany Parish
“Working with my coach was the most rewarding experience within the Cornerstones program. Her helpful feedback helped me grow as a teacher. I faced many challenges throughout the program, and she always encouraged me and provided additional support.”
S.H., Cohort 3, Metairie/Jefferson Parish
“My favorite part of the program is the weekly webinars. I enjoy the live interaction with other teachers and the instructors.”
V.M., Cohort 5, Baton Rouge/East Baton Rouge Parish
“What I learn about the program is the ability to believe in myself and the challenges that I face learning more about the children that I work with every day. But, without the faith I have in God, I know that all things are possible, and I would like to thank you so very much for all the help you all have given me.”
- Juliette Jackson, Early Steps Learning Center
“What I loved about the program is the patience the teachers had for me. They understood that life happens and I was able to balance going to school online, being a single parent, and working. This program helped me be a better teacher and parent. I was able to take the information and grow with it. I wouldn’t choose any other program to get my CDA. Thank you Ms. Ashley Robinson for your dedication and guidance in helping me on this journey.”
- Canesia Bell, Early Steps Learning Center
“I want to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by Ashley Robinson during my enrollment in the CDA Program. Her dedication to ensuring that I understand the coursework, met deadlines, and navigated any challenges that arose was truly commendable. Thank you all so much for everything.”
- Terrica Richard, Early Steps Learning Center