CDA Infant/Toddler Credential - post

ChildCareEd's 120-hour Infant/Toddler training prepares early educators for the Council for Professional Recognition's credentialing process. Explore the CDA Infant/Toddler Credential Buy Now $500.00$400.00 or—if you already have 90 hours—complete the final hours with the Maryland-focused CDA Bridge Bundle: Infant/Toddler Buy Now $300.00. Both options include portfolio supports, instructor feedback, and guided portfolio review to prepare you for the Exam and the Verification Visit. Enrollments include messaging access to PD Specialists and multilingual materials to support diverse learners.

The Infant-Toddler center-based setting is a state-approved child development center where a candidate can be observed working with a group of at least 3 children ages birth through 36 months, with at least one of the sub-groups. The program must have at least 10 children enrolled, not necessarily in the candidate’s group, and at least two early educators working with the children on a regular basis.

CDA Infant/Toddler Credential Buy Now $500.00$400.00

Work with children birth to 36 months.

What does the Infant/Toddler CDA require?

To earn the Infant/Toddler CDA candidates must complete the Council's credentialing components. A typical pathway includes the following steps and documentation:

1. Training: 120 hours of formal early childhood coursework that covers the eight CDA subject areas (some Bridge Bundles supply only the final required hours when you already have 90 hours).
2. Work experience: Document at least 480 hours of supervised work experience with infants and toddlers in a center-based setting.
3. Professional Portfolio: Upload reflective competency statements, a professional philosophy, and child samples that demonstrate competence across the eight subject areas.
4. Assessment: Complete the CDA Exam and, in most cases, a Verification Visit with a qualified PD Specialist.

These steps explain why providers take ChildCareEd coursework and portfolio review before applying. For more on the credential's career benefits and who should apply see Why do I need a CDA Credential?.

Unique benefits of taking the CDA with ChildCareEd.

How can ChildCareEd help with portfolio preparation and the Verification Visit?

ChildCareEd provides guided portfolio supports that map course activities to the Council's portfolio requirements, including sample documentation and a step-by-step portfolio instruction video. Our services include portfolio review by certified CDA PD Specialists, targeted feedback on Reflective Competency Statements, and mock Verification Visit guidance to help you prepare.

If you want a workshop that walks you from coursework to application, consider CDA Preparation: From Training to Application Buy Now $25.00. For infant/toddler–specific portfolio guidance and a checklist of required documents, see How to Earn Your Infant and Toddler Certification. These resources explain portfolio artifacts accepted by PD Specialists and practical tips for collecting classroom samples and permissions.

• Superior Quality and Additional Features: ChildCareEd constantly updates and improves its training, testing material, and delivery platforms based on provider needs. ChildCareEd offers free resources to help participants along the way as they pursue their CDA Credentials. A certificate of completion is available immediately.
• User Experience: ChildCareEd strives to respond in real-time, offering continuous communication with course instructors using the messaging feature within each course. Have a question? Message one of our PD Specialists while you are logged in to your training.  Opportunities to chat with one of our CDA Professional Development (PD) specialists. Portfolio review process. Included in your CDA training, is a consultation for review of your Portfolio prior to submission by one of our CDA Professional Development (PD) specialists. 
• Superior Customer Support: We are right in your backyard! Located in Maryland, ChildCareEd offers excellent customer support with fast response times on multiple channels of support (such as email, messaging, and phone).
• Positive Testimonials: Check out what these participants have to say regarding ChildCareEd’s CDA training:
  • "The courses were very educational, informative, and challenging. Through the learning activities, I had a positive learning experience. I would highly recommend these courses to anyone who is in early childhood development or who is interested in working with children. " Odelia 
  • "I learn very much useful information with this CDA training.” Gwendolyn
• Personalization: To support learners with various needs and from all cultures and backgrounds, ChildCareEd offers online training in over 40 different text languages. 
• Superior Reputation: Doing business since 2001.
  • ChildCareEd's mission is to provide #early_childhood_educators with professional development training courses routed in best practices and current trends. We seek to support early childhood educators and the children and families they work with by developing high-quality courses in professionalism, child development, health, safety, nutrition, curriculum, special needs, and community. 
  • ChildCareEd’s vision is that of educators developing a deep understanding and appreciation for the complex cultural worlds in which they will care for children and families. We seek to attract and serve learners from diverse social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds, to be sensitive and responsive to their needs, and, above all, to assist all to achieve their fullest potential in their pursuit of early childhood education.

We are Maryland based! Being based in Maryland means we understand the unique challenges and needs of Maryland childcare providers. Contact us locally at  tel:240-261-4163.

How can Maryland providers get funding and support for CDA training?

Maryland providers should investigate state and partner-funded supports before paying out of pocket. ChildCareEd works with local partners and can help learners identify funding; start by reviewing available state and nonprofit supports listed in CDA Scholarships in Maryland. For step-by-step tactics to minimize costs—including tuition waivers, bundled funding, and local scholarships—see How to get a CDA for free.

Because Maryland programs and registries may apply different acceptance rules, confirm funding eligibility and training acceptance with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) or your local CCR&R. For information about how Maryland child development classes align with credentialing pathways, see Child Development Classes in Maryland.

Maryland Family Network, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), and the Council for Professional Recognition are partnering to provide thousands of Maryland's #early_childhood_educators with financial support to help them earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. These financial awards will cover registration and other fees as well as books required for the program.

What should I do next to earn the Infant/Toddler CDA?

Take these practical next steps:

1. Choose your training: If you need the full 120 hours, enroll in the CDA Infant/Toddler Credential Buy Now $500.00$400.00. If you have 90 hours already, complete the Bridge Bundle Buy Now $300.00 to reach 120 hours.
2. Prepare your portfolio: Use ChildCareEd's portfolio supports and consider the CDA Preparation workshop to organize your reflective statements and child samples.
3. Apply and schedule assessment: When coursework and portfolio are ready, apply to the Council and schedule your Exam and Verification Visit as required.
4. Plan for renewal: CDA credentials require periodic renewal; read our CDA Renewal Guide for timing and required coursework.

Tags: #CDA #infant #toddler #Maryland #professionaldevelopment