How to Prepare for Your CDA Verification Visit with Confidence

You’ve Done the Work, Now It’s Time to Show It

If your CDA Verification Visit is scheduled, pause for a moment and acknowledge this: you’ve already done something big.

You completed the required training hours.You built your professional portfolio.You gained hands-on experience working with children.

The Verification Visit is not about starting the process, it’s about demonstrating the growth, professionalism, and intentionality you’ve developed along the way.

This guide is designed to help you walk into your visit feeling prepared, confident, and proud of the work you’ve done.

What Happens During the CDA Verification Visit?

During the visit, a Professional Development Specialist (PDS) assigned by the CDA Council will:

• Observe your classroom or learning environment

• Watch you lead two learning experiences with children

• Review your professional portfolio

• Conduct a Reflective Dialogue (an interview-style conversation)

The visit typically lasts 4–5 hours and takes place in your current work setting with the children you serve.

The Heart of the Visit: 5 Ways to Prepare with Confidence

This visit isn’t about perfection, it’s about preparation and purpose. These five strategies will help you show up as the professional you already are.

1. Practice Your Learning Experiences With Intention

You’ll be observed implementing two activities from your portfolio. These should reflect developmentally appropriate practice and meaningful engagement.

How to prepare:

• Practice the activities ahead of time with children

• Gather and organize all materials in advance

• Be ready to explain why you chose the activity and what skills it supports (language, motor, social-emotional, or cognitive)

Confidence grows when you’re familiar with your plan and flexible in your delivery.

2. Let Your Classroom Tell the Story

Your environment speaks volumes before the interview even begins. A well-prepared space shows organization, care, and professionalism.

Focus on:

• A clean, safe, and welcoming environment

• A visible daily schedule and classroom routines

• Accessible learning materials and clearly defined areas

• Evidence of children’s work and learning

Your goal isn’t perfection, it’s showing a space where children feel safe, engaged, and supported.

3. Know Your Portfolio, Not by Memory, but by Meaning

Your portfolio represents your journey. The PDS isn’t looking for scripted answers, they want to see that you understand and can speak about your work.

Prepare by:

• Reviewing your Competency Statements and reflecting on your growth

• Being familiar with the Resource Collection items you selected and why

• Organizing your portfolio so it’s easy to reference if needed

When you understand your work, confidence follows naturally.

4. Approach the Reflective Dialogue as a Conversation, Not a Test

The Reflective Dialogue is your opportunity to explain how you think, make decisions, and support children every day.

Keep in mind:

• Use real classroom examples when answering questions

• Share how you respond to challenges, not just successes

• Be honest, thoughtful, and reflective, growth matters more than perfection

Your experiences are valid. Your voice matters.

5. Walk In Confident, You’ve Earned This Moment

This visit isn’t designed to trip you up. It exists to affirm your readiness as an early childhood professional.

On the day of your visit:

• Dress professionally and arrive prepared

• Take a deep breath and trust your preparation

• Remind yourself: you are not being evaluated as a person, you are demonstrating professional practice

You don’t need to be flawless. You need to be intentional, reflective, and child-centered and you already are.

Final Encouragement

The CDA Verification Visit is not the beginning of your journey, it’s a milestone along the way. You’ve shown commitment to children, families, and your own professional growth. Now is your time to stand confidently in the work you’ve done and let your practice speak for itself. You’re ready. You’re capable. And you deserve this.

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About the Author

The Elite Educational Enterprises Team is passionate about empowering early childhood educators, leaders, and childcare providers with the tools and resources they need to create thriving learning environments. With a commitment to high-quality training and professional development, our team is dedicated to supporting educators in making a meaningful impact on children, families, and communities.

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