Columbia childcare providers take CDA training with ChildCareEd! - post

Why take the #CDA training with ChildCareEd 

Thinking about earning a Child Development Associate credential? ChildCareEd offers self‑paced, online options such as the CDA Preschool Credential Buy Now $500.00$400.00 and the CDA Family Child Care Credential Buy Now $500.00$400.00. Both cover the CDA Council’s eight subject areas and include portfolio supports. Below we explain what the training actually includes, how ChildCareEd supports Maryland providers, where to find funding, and next steps you can take today.

What unique benefits does ChildCareEd offer for CDA candidates?

Unique benefits of taking the CDA with ChildCareEd.

• 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) Specialist. 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.

How does ChildCareEd support Maryland childcare providers?

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.

ChildCareEd designs its Maryland offerings to align with the state guidance summarized in our Maryland resources. For step‑by‑step state-specific information about required child development classes, credential pathways, and MSDE-aligned training, see our guide: Child Development Classes in Maryland for Early Childhood Educators. If you need funding or vouchers, read Free CDA Training in Maryland: Funding Help and How Maryland providers can pay less for CDA training for current scholarship and voucher routes.

For many Maryland candidates the fastest route is a combination of ChildCareEd coursework plus state-funded vouchers or scholarships. Our CDA Bridge Bundle: Preschool Buy Now $300.00 specifically helps Maryland providers finish the final 30 hours when they already hold a 90‑hour certificate. ChildCareEd also offers portfolio review and PD Specialist consultations to support the Verification Visit and portfolio submission required by the Council for Professional Recognition.

Note: state rules and funding availability change. We link to ChildCareEd pages that summarize MSDE practice and local funding; always verify eligibility and voucher deadlines with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) or your local grant administrator before relying on a funding source.

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.

How do I prepare my CDA portfolio and Verification Visit with ChildCareEd support?

Preparing a strong CDA Professional Portfolio and completing a successful Verification Visit are often the most concrete, practical challenges candidates face. Start by finishing the 120 hours of coursework relevant to your setting, then gather evidence: reflectively written Competency Statements (CS I–VI), a concise Professional Philosophy, sample lesson plans, and documented work hours. Convert required documents to PDF and upload them through your ChildCareEd student portal.

Use ChildCareEd supports to reduce rework: watch the step‑by‑step portfolio instruction video, schedule a PD Specialist consultation or portfolio review (available with our portfolio review options and preparation Zoom sessions), and follow reviewers' feedback until documents are approved. For the Verification Visit, prepare evidence of supervised hours, attendance or time logs, sample assessments, and a brief classroom tour script so the verifier sees routines tied to your reflective statements. These practical steps and ChildCareEd's portfolio-review process help you submit a tighter application and improve verification outcomes.

Summary: Is a CDA with ChildCareEd right for me?

If your goal is to earn the CDA, ChildCareEd provides the coursework, portfolio supports, and portfolio review many candidates need. The training courses (for preschool, infant/toddler, family child care, or Birth‑to‑Five) deliver the 120 hours of formal early childhood education the Council requires for the training portion, and ChildCareEd's PD Specialists offer targeted portfolio guidance so you submit a stronger application. For benefits and career impact, see What are the benefits of a CDA?.

If funding is a concern, review options in How to get a CDA for free and contact Maryland Family Network or MSDE for current voucher programs. For a complete Maryland roadmap from online training to credentialing, see Your CDA Roadmap in Maryland. These ChildCareEd pages summarize state practice and help you prepare, but always confirm final eligibility and deadlines with MSDE or the funding source.

Next steps: 1) choose the ChildCareEd course that matches your setting (for example, the CDA Preschool Credential Buy Now $500.00$400.00 or the CDA Family Child Care Credential Buy Now $500.00$400.00); 2) review the portfolio guidance and schedule a PD Specialist consultation or portfolio review; and 3) check for Maryland vouchers or scholarships that can reduce cost. For practical FAQ and preparation sessions, consider the short CDA Preparation: From Training to Application Buy Now $25.00 Zoom session.

ChildCareEd aims to make the training accessible and supportive—but remember: ChildCareEd provides the training and portfolio review; the CDA credential itself is awarded only by the Council for Professional Recognition after you meet all Council requirements. If you want precise, step‑by‑step help or to compare courses, contact ChildCareEd's PD team.

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