Preparing Your Professional Portfolio

Your Professional Portfolio is a required component of the CDA credentialing process. It demonstrates your competence and is reviewed during the Verification Visit.

Portfolio Components

Family Questionnaires

What They Are:

• Feedback forms completed by families
• Cover your work with their children
• Anonymous (you don't see responses)

How to Collect:

• Distribute to families you work with directly
• Explain the purpose honestly
• Give adequate time to complete
• Collect in sealed envelopes
• Need at least the required number for your setting

Resource Collection

Create a resource file organized by the 6 Competency Standards. For each, collect:

Competency Standard I (Safe, Healthy Environment):

• Emergency procedures
• Health policies
• Safety checklists
• Nutrition information

Competency Standard II (Physical & Intellectual):

• Lesson plan samples
• Activity ideas
• Learning materials
• Book lists

Competency Standard III (Social-Emotional):

• Guidance strategies
• Conflict resolution techniques
• Emotion resources
• Self-regulation activities

Competency Standard IV (Families):

• Family communication samples
• Newsletter templates
• Conference materials
• Family engagement ideas

Competency Standard V (Program Management):

• Observation samples
• Planning templates
• Record-keeping forms
• Team collaboration examples

Competency Standard VI (Professionalism):

• Professional development records
• NAEYC Code of Ethics
• Advocacy resources
• Professional organization information

Competency Statements

Write a reflection for each of the 6 Competency Standards:

Each statement should:

• Be 1-2 pages
• Describe your practices
• Give specific examples
• Connect to the functional areas
• Show your growth

Example structure:

1. Introduction to your beliefs in this area
2. Specific examples from your work
3. How you meet children's needs
4. What you've learned and how you've grown

Professional Philosophy Statement

Write a 2-page statement covering:

Part 1: Your Philosophy

• Why you work with young children
• Your beliefs about how children learn
• Your role as an educator

Part 2: Your Practice

• How you implement your philosophy
• Your approach to curriculum and learning
• Your relationship-building strategies

Portfolio Organization Tips

DO:

• Use a 3-ring binder or professional folder
• Organize with tabs by section
• Use plastic sleeves to protect documents
• Include table of contents
• Keep a clean, professional appearance

DON'T:

• Include original documents (use copies)
• Include children's names (use initials only)
• Include photos without permission
• Rush—start early and revise

Verification Visit Preparation

During the visit, the PDS will:

• Review your portfolio
• Observe you with children
• Conduct a reflective dialogue

Prepare by:

• Knowing your portfolio contents
• Being ready to discuss your practices
• Having examples to share
• Staying calm and professional