How to Renew My CDA

image in article How to Renew My CDA Renewing your CDA can feel confusing at first, but it doesn’t have to be. The renewal process is mostly about three things: planning ahead, finishing the right training, and keeping your paperwork organized. When you take it step by step, it becomes much easier. #CDA #ProfessionalDevelopment

When should I start renewing my CDA?

Start early so you don’t feel rushed.

A simple plan is to begin 3–6 months before your CDA expires. That gives you time to:

Finish your training hours
Collect documents
Fix small issues (like missing certificates)

Tip: Put your expiration date on a calendar and set reminders.

What do I need to renew my CDA?

Renewal requirements can vary based on the CDA setting you hold, but most renewals include:

Setting-specific training hours (completed within the renewal timeframe)
Recent work experience with children in your setting
Membership in an early childhood professional organization
A completed renewal application with the needed documents

If you want a clear, simple breakdown, use this ChildCareEd resource:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00753-cda-renewal-faq.html

And for an easy walk-through, this related ChildCareEd article is very helpful:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/cda-certification-renewal-process-made-super-easy.html

Which ChildCareEd courses can help me renew my CDA?

One of the easiest ways to stay on track is to take a renewal course that already matches the CDA renewal topics you need.

Here are three ChildCareEd training options that are directly related to CDA renewal (choose the one that fits your setting):

CDA Preschool Renewal
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-preschool-renewal.html
CDA Infant/Toddler Renewal
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-infant-toddler-renewal.html
CDA Family Child Care Renewal
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-family-child-care-renewal.html

How to choose the right one:

Work with ages 3–5 in a center? Choose Preschool Renewal
Work with ages birth–36 months in a center? Choose Infant/Toddler Renewal
Run or work in a home daycare? Choose Family Child Care Renewal

How do I renew my CDA step by step?

Step 1: Check your expiration date

Find out when your CDA expires. Then plan your timeline.

If you’re close to expiration, start now
If you still have time, plan your training month by month

Step 2: Make sure your work experience is current

Most CDA renewals require recent experience working with children in your setting.

To stay organized, track:

Your start and end dates
Your weekly schedule
Your setting (infant/toddler, preschool, family child care)

Tip: If you change jobs, save a short letter or record showing your role and dates.

Step 3: Complete the right training hours

Training is a big part of renewal. Many educators finish this step first because it takes the most time.

A renewal course can make this easier because it keeps your learning focused:

Tip: Don’t wait until the last week. Try a simple routine:

20–30 minutes, 3–4 days per week
Small steps add up fast. #ChildCareTraining

Step 4: Confirm your professional membership

Renewal usually includes being a member of a professional early childhood organization.

Keep proof of your membership, like:

A receipt or confirmation email
A membership card (digital is fine)
A document showing your name and the active dates

Step 5: Gather your documents in one folder

This step saves a lot of stress.

Create one folder (digital or paper) that includes:

Your training certificates
Proof of membership
Work experience notes
Any forms you need for your renewal application

Helpful file naming tip:
Use names like: CDA_Renewal_Training_March_2026.pdf

What if I’m missing training hours or I’m running out of time?

First, don’t panic. You still have options.

Try these quick actions:

Choose the renewal course that matches your setting and focus on finishing it
(Example: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-infant-toddler-renewal.html)
Set a realistic schedule (even 30 minutes daily can help)
Print or save certificates the same day you complete training

If you’re unsure what “counts,” check the FAQ here:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00753-cda-renewal-faq.html

How can I keep my renewal organized every year (so it’s easy next time)?

You can make renewal easier by building a simple habit now.

Monthly habit (5 minutes):

Save new training certificates
Write down your work hours (if needed)
Keep membership proof updated

Yearly habit (15 minutes):

Put all training into one folder
Check your renewal window
Pick a renewal course early if you know you’ll need it

This keeps your paperwork from turning into a last-minute scramble. #ECE

What mistakes should I avoid when renewing my CDA?

Here are a few common problems that slow people down:

Waiting too long to start
Taking training that does not match their CDA setting
Losing certificates or not saving them as PDFs
Forgetting to keep proof of membership
Not tracking work experience clearly

If you want a simple guide that walks you through the process, use:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/cda-certification-renewal-process-made-super-easy.html

Where can I get more CDA renewal tips and reminders?

If you want quick tips, helpful reminders, and new training ideas, follow ChildCareEd on social media:

👉 Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram: https://instagram.com/childcareed

You’ll get support and ideas you can use right away. #CDArenewal

Final thoughts

Renewing your CDA is very doable when you take it one step at a time. Start early, choose the correct setting-based training, and keep your documents in one place.

If you’re ready to begin today, pick the renewal course that matches your setting:

And keep these two support links handy as you go:

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