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Earn Your CDA – In‑Person Support, Flexible Learning
Earn Your CDA – In‑Person Support, Flexible Learning
Dean Training Institute offers a comprehensive 120‑hour CDA credential preparation program designed for early childhood educators. Our hybrid format combines self‑paced online learning with weekly in‑person sessions, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace with the support you need to succeed.
Program Overview
Program Overview
Dean Training Institute provides short-term workforce training programs designed to enhance occupational competency for early childhood educators.
Each course:
Is 24 hours or less
Costs under $500
Is standalone and not part of a degree program
Program Highlights
8 courses, 15 hours each = 120 total hours
Aligned with all 8 CDA Subject Areas
Weekly in‑person sessions at our Stafford, TX location
Taught by Tonya Dean, Level 1 TECPDS Trainer and CDA PD Specialist
TECPDS‑approved training hours
Personalized portfolio support and verification visit preparation
Small class sizes (maximum 12 participants)
CDA COURSE SERIES
CDA COURSE SERIES
This course is offered under the exemption provided by Texas Education Code §132.003. Dean Educational Consultant GEMS, LLC is not licensed by the Texas Workforce Commission as a career school.
Our 8‑Course Program
Our 8‑Course Program
Course Titles
1 Safe & Healthy Learning Environments
2 Physical & Intellectual Development
3 Social & Emotional Development
4 Productive Relationships with Families
5 Managing an Effective Program
6 Commitment to Professionalism
7 Observing & Recording Children’s Behavior
8 Principles of Child Development
View full course descriptions in our Course Catalog.
Spring 2026 (May)
Wednesdays 6–8pm
In‑person sessions held at Inspired Achievers Academy, 4103 S Main Street, Suite 100, Stafford, TX
Fall 2026 (September)
Wednesdays 6–8pm
In‑person sessions held at Inspired Achievers Academy, 4103 S Main Street, Suite 100, Stafford, TX.
Module 1: Safe, Healthy, Learning Environments
Module 1: Safe, Healthy, Learning Environments
Length: 24 Hours
Fee: $225
Format: Hybrid
Description:
This course introduces the CDA credential process and focuses on maintaining safe, healthy, and engaging learning environments.
Module 2: Physical, Cognitive Development
Module 2: Physical, Cognitive Development
Length: 24 hours
Fee: $225
Format: Hybrid
Description
This course covers the CDA functional areas of Physical, Cognitive, and Communication. Students will learn developmentally appropriate practices to support gross and fine motor skills, cognitive growth through exploration and play, and language development through meaningful interactions.
Module 3: Creative, Self, Social, Guidance
Module 3: Creative, Self, Social, Guidance
Length: 24 hours
Fee: $225
Format: Hybrid
Description
This course covers the CDA functional areas of Creative, Self, Social, and Guidance. Students will learn strategies to foster creativity, support positive self-concept, encourage social skills, and implement positive guidance techniques that promote self-regulation.
Module 4: Families, Program Management
Module 4: Families, Program Management
Length: 24 hours
Fee: $225
Format: Hybrid
Description
This course covers the CDA functional areas of Families, Program Management, and Professionalism. Students will learn to build respectful relationships with families, maintain effective program operations, and uphold ethical and professional standards in early childhood education.
Course 5: CDA Portfolio & Exam Preparation
Course 5: CDA Portfolio & Exam Preparation
Length (Hours)16 hours
Total Fee ($) $225
Format: Hybrid
Description
This capstone course guides students through the final steps of the CDA credential process. Topics include compiling the Professional Portfolio, writing the Reflective Statement of Competence, preparing for the CDA Verification Visit, and reviewing for the CDA Exam
Tuition & Payment Options
Enrollment Type Tuition
Full Program (8 courses) $1,450.00
Individual Course (1 course) $225.00
Group Rate (3+ participants)
$1,200 per person
Center Partnership (6+ participants)
$900 per person
Payment Plans
4 monthly payments of $362.50
8 bi‑weekly payments of $181.25
Custom plans available
All tuition amounts are estimates. Payment plans available upon request.
How It Works
How It Works
Enroll – Complete our online enrollment form.
Attend – Join weekly in‑person sessions (2 hours per week) and complete self‑paced online coursework.
Build Your Portfolio – Receive hands‑on guidance as you complete your Resource Collection and Competency Statements.
Prepare – Practice for the CDA Verification Visit and Exam with personalized coaching.
Earn Your CDA – Submit your application and complete your credential
This course is offered under the exemption provided by Texas Education Code §132.003. Dean Educational Consultant GEMS, LLC is not licensed by the Texas Workforce Commission as a career school.
Meet Your Instructor
Meet Your Instructor
Tonya Dean, M.Ed., CDA
TECPDS Registered Trainer #79567
CDA Professional Development Specialist (Council for Professional Recognition)
Infant/Toddler Specialist
15 years of experience in early childhood education
Former Head Start teacher and early childhood consultant
Tonya brings real‑world classroom experience and a deep commitment to helping educators grow. She provides personalized support to every student, ensuring you feel confident and prepared at every step of your CDA journey.
This course is offered under the exemption provided by Texas Education Code §132.003. Dean Educational Consultant GEMS, LLC is not licensed by the Texas Workforce Commission as a career school.
What Our Students Say
What Our Students Say
"Tonya’s support made all the difference. She walked me through every step of my portfolio and helped me feel prepared for my verification visit." – Maria, CDA Candidate
"The in‑person sessions were invaluable. I loved having a space to ask questions and get real‑time feedback." – Jasmine, CDA Candidate
Ready to Start?
Ready to Start?
[Enroll Now] [Contact Us] [View Course Catalog]
Dean Training Institute is a Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)‑exempt career school under Texas Education Code Chapter 132.
Location: 4103 S Main Street, Suite 100, Stafford, TX 77477
Phone: 832‑304‑4007
Email: tonya@inspiredcourses.org
Website: inspiredcourses.org
This course is offered under the exemption provided by Texas Education Code §132.003. Dean Educational Consultant GEMS, LLC is not licensed by the Texas Workforce Commission as a career school.
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