Most Searched Questions about CDA Certification

image in article Most Searched Questions about CDA Certification The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally recognized certification for #early-childhood- #educators in the United States. Awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, it signifies that an educator has demonstrated competence in nurturing the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of young children

What is the CDA Credential? The CDA Credential is designed for #early-childhood-educators working with children from birth to five years old. It validates an educator's ability to meet the specific needs of young children and works to enhance the quality of #early-childhood education.

Requirements and Eligibility for CDA Certification

The Council for Professional Recognition (CDA Council) establishes the eligibility requirements and oversees the child development associate certification process. Generally, to be eligible for a CDA, you will need to meet the following criteria:

Minimum age requirement (usually 18 years old)
High school diploma or GED
Experience working with young children

Completing CDA Training with ChildCareEd

While there are various training providers offering CDA preparation programs, ChildCareEd stands out as a reputable and comprehensive option. Their online CDA coursework provides a flexible and convenient way to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills at your own pace. ChildCareEd’s CDA online classes are offered in a self-paced format. This provides an ease of use that can be accessed from anywhere at any time for easy and convenient learning.

In addition, ChildCareEd offers:

CDA resources to assist in the development of your portfolio.
To support learners with various needs and from all #cultures and backgrounds, ChildCareEd offers online training in over 40 different #languages.
ChildCareEd has created the CDA Club - Peers & PD Specialists, a public Facebook group where you can connect with like-minded individuals, access valuable resources, and stay informed about the latest updates.

ChildCareEd CDA Trainings:

What are the benefits of obtaining a CDA Credential?

Earning a CDA Credential can lead to increased job opportunities, higher wages, and professional recognition in the field of #early-childhood-education. It also enhances an educator's skills and knowledge, leading to improved quality of care and education for young children.

How to Become CDA Credentialed

If you are interested in becoming CDA credentialed, there are several steps you need to take. The first step is to apply for the CDA credential.

You will need the following in order to complete your CDA

Earn a high school diploma, or GED or be enrolled as a junior or senior in a high school career and technical program in early childhood education.
Complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training, covering the growth and development of children ages birth to 36 months, with no fewer than 10 training hours in each of the eight CDA® subject areas. See our CDA page for this step.
Obtain 480 hours of professional work experience in a center-based setting with children ages birth to 36 months, or 3-5 years of age depending on which CDA you are working to obtain.
Prepare your CDA professional portfolio. This is a collection of reference materials related to your work with children and families.
Select a CDA Professional Development (PD) Specialist™ to conduct your CDA Verification Visit®, which is part of your final assessment. Your PD Specialist will review your professional portfolio, observe you working with the children, complete a Reflective Dialogue with you, and submit score recommendations to the Council.
Apply online using YourCouncil and pay the online assessment fee of $425

Is the CDA Credential recognized in all states?

Yes, the CDA Credential is recognized nationwide and is considered a standard credential for #early-childhood-educators across the United States.

Can I specialize in a specific age group with a CDA Credential?

Yes, the CDA Credential offers specializations in different settings, including: