Caregiver Development Unit Program

This program recognizes and celebrates caregivers' commitment to professional growth and quality child care service.


Why should I participate in the Caregiver Development Unit Program?

Participation in the Caregiver Development Unit Program is an important way to communicate to others a commitment to professionalism. Earning the right to display a Caregiver Development Unit (CDU) plaque affirms your commitment to continuing education.

A participant can gain current knowledge and skill to enhance their caregiving of children.

To obtain the CDU certificate, a caregiver must acquire 20 units annually.


Download Quarterly Reporting Form      Download Sample Reporting Form


Caregiver development units will be awarded on the basis of participation in the following activities:

Professional Meetings. In-service Programs. Workshops.

One (1) CDU per contact hour is awarded for attendance as a participant or member of the audience. As an example, attendance at a 3 hour seminar would qualify for 3 CDUs. CDUs are not given for attendance at the same presentation a second time. Certificate of recognition or verification of registration should be submitted with the quarterly report form.

Two (2) CDUs per contact hour are awarded the first time you make a presentation on a topic in your field at a meeting or workshop. For example, a 1 hour presentation would qualify for 2 CDUs. Submit lesson plan as documentation along with the quarterly report form.

Exhibits

Two (2) CDUs is awarded for displaying an educational exhibit related to child care at a professional meeting. Develop a summary of the exhibit content and include with quarterly report form.

Self Study

One CDU will be awarded for each three hours of self study up to a maximum of 9 CDUs per program. Self study programs may include books, audio, video, teleconference, periodicals related to child care. A one page self study summary should be submitted along with the quarterly report form.

Child Care Association Membership

Membership in a child care association warrants three (3) CDUs up to receiving a maximum of 9 CDUs.

Academic Courses

Academic courses related to child care taken for credit, by correspondence, or audited (a college course taken without receiving academic credit) under the sanction of a college or university are automatically approved for CDUs. A passing grade must be earned in courses taken for credit. Required documentation is an official transcript or grade report submitted with quarterly report form. CDUs awarded are:

  • 1 semester hour (15 weeks), 15 CDUs (credit), 8 CDUs (audit)
  • 1 trimester hour (14 weeks), 14 CDUs (credit), 7 CDUs (audit)
  • 1 quarter hour (10 weeks), 10 CDUs (credit), 5 CDUs (audit)

For example, you would earn 45 CDUs for a three-semester-hour course taken for credit.

Continuing Education

Noncredit courses offered by community continuing education programs are eligible for CDUs if the content enhances one's professional development. Acceptable examples might include training or courses related to family or child development, CPR, and or First Aid. Acceptable documentation includes a verification of registration, course outline, final evaluation, certificate of completion, or cancelled registration check. One CDU is awarded for each hour of class instruction.

*Caregiver Development Units may be awarded for additional activities subject to review by the Loudoun Child Care Network.

Developed by Beverly Samuel, Extension Agent, Loudoun Cooperative Extension, 1993.
Sponsored by Loudoun Child Care Network. Revised September 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are the ending dates for report periods?

The report periods end March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.

Should I send a certificate or documentation for conferences attended?

Yes, attach a copy of your certificate or conference registration information to your quarterly report form. For training attended such as CPR and First Aid, a copy of the card is sufficient.

Should the article read be submitted as part of reporting requirements for self study?

No, only a 1 page summary should be submitted.

Are modules considered self-study?

Yes, modules are generally recognized as self-study, thus every 3 hours of study are equal to 1 CDU. Submit a 1 page summary as documentation. However, if you are participating in a Module for Continuing Education Units through a University, a CEU is equivalent to 1 CDU. Submit the CEU Certificate as documentation.

Am I limited to 9 CDUs for self-study?

Yes and no. Self-study is limited to 9 CDUs in the first 20 CDUs to encourage a variety of continuing education activities to obtain recognition in the CDU Program. However, if a provider has obtained the 20 CDUs, additional self study activities may be reported.

Will my records be maintained if I do not continue to report activities?

Records of a provider will not be maintained in the data base if reporting is discontinued.

If you have any further questions about the CDU program, please contact us.