Earn CDA Certification Online: Step-by-Step Guide - post

Related State Bundles

Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle

$90

Are you currently working in an Alabama child care center and looking to meet your 12-hour annual training requirement? Then you’re ready for this all-in-one annual training bundle!

Our Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle offers a streamlined way to complete your yearly in-service training as required by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. This bundle includes interactive courses in health and safety, child development, positive guidance, emergency preparedness, language development, and more.

Stay compliant, build your professional knowledge, and maintain your eligibility to work in licensed child care programs across Alabama—all at your own pace.

✅ Fulfills the 12-hour annual in-service training requirement for center-based child care workers
✅ Approved for Alabama DHR compliance
✅ Ideal for renewing licenses and maintaining employment in regulated child care centers

• Healthy Habits from the Start
• Language Development in Early Childhood
• Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
• Stay Alert! Steps to Emergency Prep Online Version
• Viewing Guidance in a Positive Light

Alabama 20- Hour Annual Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Home Licensee

$150

Are you an Alabama family or group day care home licensee looking to fulfill your 20-hour annual training requirement? Then you're ready for this comprehensive, home-provider-focused training bundle!

This Alabama Licensee Annual Training Bundle is tailored exclusively for licensed providers operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 20 clock hours of annual training required by the Alabama DHR and covers all six mandated training areas. Whether you're renewing your license, preparing for inspection, or enhancing the quality of care in your home program, this bundle ensures you're in full compliance and growing professionally.

🎯 What’s Included in This Bundle:

• ✅ Child Development
• ✅ Health and Safety
• ✅ Positive Guidance & Discipline 
• ✅ Language and Literacy Development
• ✅ Family Communication

✅ Why Choose This Bundle?

• Aligned with Alabama DHR Family and Group Day Care Home Licensing Standards
• Designed specifically for home-based child care providers
• Flexible, online, self-paced access
  
  

• You're Not My Friend Anymore: Learning Conflict Resolution
• Working Together: Teachers & Preschoolers
• The Right Kind of Influence for Young Children
• Supporting Little Hearts: Divorce and Separation in the Child Care Setting
• Supporting Families and Caregivers in Language and Literacy
• Play, Learn, Grow Online Version
• Nutrition Essentials for Child Care Providers
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education
• Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners
• Building a Community of Families

Alabama 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Homes

$185

Are you planning to open a licensed family or group day care home in Alabama? Do you need to complete your 24 hours of preservice training? Then you’re ready for this specialized training bundle!

This Alabama Family/Group Day Care Homes 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle is tailored for prospective licensees operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 24-hour preservice training requirement set by Alabama DHR and includes focused modules on child development, universal precautions, nutrition, licensing regulations, and family communication.

Whether you’re preparing to launch your own in-home child care business or updating your credentials, this training will guide you through every essential topic to ensure a successful and compliant start.

✅ Satisfies the Alabama DHR 24-hour preservice training requirement for new licensees
✅ Covers all six required training areas
✅ Perfect for new child care entrepreneurs and home-based provider.

• Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
• Administering Basic Health and Safety ONLINE
• Community and Family Engagement in Childcare
• Language Development in Early Childhood
• Staying Positive: Guidance for Preschoolers
• DAP for Family Child Care
• Business Planning: Family Child Care
• Let’s Talk: Effective Communication
• A Watchful Eye: Supervision in Early Childhood
• Baby Play: Planning Infant and Toddler Activities

As the foundation for lifelong learning, the experiences and interactions children have in their formative years significantly shape their #development. For professionals in this field, obtaining the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification is a crucial step toward enhancing their skills and #career prospects. This credential not only demonstrates a commitment to excellence in #early-childhood-education but also equips #educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to create nurturing and effective learning environments. 

CDA Certification Process

Steps to Obtain Your CDA Certification

• Eligibility Requirements:

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
  • Have at least 480 hours of experience working with children within the past three years.

• Complete Required Training:

  • A total of 120 hours of training is required, covering the following eight subject areas:
    • Planning a #safe and #healthy learning environment.
    • Advancing children's physical and intellectual development.
    • Supporting children's social and emotional development.
    • Building productive relationships with families.
    • Managing an effective program operation.
    • Maintaining a commitment to professionalism.
    • Observing and recording children's behavior.
    • Understanding principles of child development and learning.
  • Training can be completed through various online platforms, including free and affordable options available at ChildCareEd.

• Compile a Professional Portfolio:

  • Create a Professional Portfolio that includes:
    • Reflective Statements of Competence.
    • A Professional Philosophy Statement.
    • Family Questionnaires to gather feedback from families of children in your care.

• Schedule a Verification Visit:

  • Arrange a verification visit with a CDA Professional Development Specialist. This visit involves an observation of your interactions with children and your overall program.

• Pass the CDA Exam:

  • After completing the above steps, you will need to pass the CDA Exam. 

• Submit Your Application:

  • Complete your application online through the CDA Council's website, along with the required assessment fee (currently $425 for online applications or $500 for paper applications).

• Renew Your Credential:

  • The CDA credential must be renewed every three years. This involves completing additional training and professional development activities to stay current in the field.

Affordable CDA Certification Options

Here are some affordable options to consider:

• Free Online Courses:

  • ChildCareEd offers two completely free online courses that provide certificates upon completion:
    • Creating the Natural Outdoor Classroom: This course equips childcare providers with the skills to design engaging #outdoor environments for children, fostering a connection with nature.
    • CDA Introduction: This course outlines the steps to obtain a CDA credential, covering essential topics such as training requirements, verification visits, and portfolio preparation.

• Scholarships and Grants:

  • Numerous organizations and educational institutions provide scholarships specifically for #early-childhood education professionals. Research local and national programs that offer financial assistance for CDA training.
  • For example, the Maryland Child Care Credential Program offers up to $400 in training reimbursements for eligible childcare providers, which can be utilized for CDA-related courses.

• Low-Cost Training Programs:

  • Various online platforms offer CDA training at reduced rates. Look for programs that provide comprehensive training modules at competitive prices.
  • ChildCareEd also offers a variety of affordable courses designed by experienced early childhood professionals, ensuring quality education without breaking the bank.

Online CDA Training Options

• ChildCareEd:

  • ChildCareEd offers a subscription-based model that grants access to a comprehensive array of CDA-related materials and coursework. While this option is not entirely free, it represents a cost-effective investment for those looking to complete their CDA training efficiently.

• CDA Council Scholarships:

  • The CDA Council features a dedicated scholarships page that lists state-specific scholarship opportunities. Candidates can select their state of residence to discover relevant scholarships, along with links to detailed information about application requirements and deadlines.

• Grants and Local Funding:

  • ChildCareEd has compiled a list of potential grant opportunities aimed at helping individuals offset the costs associated with CDA training. Candidates are encouraged to research local grants and funding sources, such as the Maryland CDA Training Initiative, which covers training costs, application fees, and necessary materials.

• Apprenticeship Programs:

  • Programs like the TTT ECE Apprenticeship Program provide hands-on training and educational support for aspiring #early-childhood-educators. These initiatives often include free coursework and materials, making them an excellent option for those seeking financial assistance.

• Free Online Resources:

  • ChildCareEd offers various free resources, including guidelines for completing the professional portfolio required for CDA certification. Candidates can utilize these materials to enhance their understanding and preparation for the certification process.

• Networking and Community Support:

  • Engaging with experienced educators through online forums and communities can provide valuable insights and recommendations for free or low-cost CDA training options. Networking can also lead to discovering local resources and support systems.

Related State Bundles

Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle

$90

Are you currently working in an Alabama child care center and looking to meet your 12-hour annual training requirement? Then you’re ready for this all-in-one annual training bundle!

Our Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle offers a streamlined way to complete your yearly in-service training as required by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. This bundle includes interactive courses in health and safety, child development, positive guidance, emergency preparedness, language development, and more.

Stay compliant, build your professional knowledge, and maintain your eligibility to work in licensed child care programs across Alabama—all at your own pace.

✅ Fulfills the 12-hour annual in-service training requirement for center-based child care workers
✅ Approved for Alabama DHR compliance
✅ Ideal for renewing licenses and maintaining employment in regulated child care centers

• Healthy Habits from the Start
• Language Development in Early Childhood
• Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
• Stay Alert! Steps to Emergency Prep Online Version
• Viewing Guidance in a Positive Light

Alabama 20- Hour Annual Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Home Licensee

$150

Are you an Alabama family or group day care home licensee looking to fulfill your 20-hour annual training requirement? Then you're ready for this comprehensive, home-provider-focused training bundle!

This Alabama Licensee Annual Training Bundle is tailored exclusively for licensed providers operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 20 clock hours of annual training required by the Alabama DHR and covers all six mandated training areas. Whether you're renewing your license, preparing for inspection, or enhancing the quality of care in your home program, this bundle ensures you're in full compliance and growing professionally.

🎯 What’s Included in This Bundle:

• ✅ Child Development
• ✅ Health and Safety
• ✅ Positive Guidance & Discipline 
• ✅ Language and Literacy Development
• ✅ Family Communication

✅ Why Choose This Bundle?

• Aligned with Alabama DHR Family and Group Day Care Home Licensing Standards
• Designed specifically for home-based child care providers
• Flexible, online, self-paced access
  
  

• You're Not My Friend Anymore: Learning Conflict Resolution
• Working Together: Teachers & Preschoolers
• The Right Kind of Influence for Young Children
• Supporting Little Hearts: Divorce and Separation in the Child Care Setting
• Supporting Families and Caregivers in Language and Literacy
• Play, Learn, Grow Online Version
• Nutrition Essentials for Child Care Providers
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education
• Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners
• Building a Community of Families

Alabama 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Homes

$185

Are you planning to open a licensed family or group day care home in Alabama? Do you need to complete your 24 hours of preservice training? Then you’re ready for this specialized training bundle!

This Alabama Family/Group Day Care Homes 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle is tailored for prospective licensees operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 24-hour preservice training requirement set by Alabama DHR and includes focused modules on child development, universal precautions, nutrition, licensing regulations, and family communication.

Whether you’re preparing to launch your own in-home child care business or updating your credentials, this training will guide you through every essential topic to ensure a successful and compliant start.

✅ Satisfies the Alabama DHR 24-hour preservice training requirement for new licensees
✅ Covers all six required training areas
✅ Perfect for new child care entrepreneurs and home-based provider.

• Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
• Administering Basic Health and Safety ONLINE
• Community and Family Engagement in Childcare
• Language Development in Early Childhood
• Staying Positive: Guidance for Preschoolers
• DAP for Family Child Care
• Business Planning: Family Child Care
• Let’s Talk: Effective Communication
• A Watchful Eye: Supervision in Early Childhood
• Baby Play: Planning Infant and Toddler Activities