The #CDA Credential is valid for three years from the original date when it is awarded. To renew the CDA you will need to apply for renewal beginning no sooner than 6 months before the credential expires.
You must renew your CDA credential before it expires. You can only renew in the setting of your original credential and all renewal requirements must be met in that setting, even if you no longer work in that setting.
Unfortunately, there are no exceptions or extensions. If your CDA Credential expires, you will have to reapply to obtain a new credential.
The renewal process will require that you provide evidence of:
- A current CPR and First Aid card.
- Proof of completing a minimum of 4.5 CEUs in Early Childhood Education.
- Proof of a minimum of 80 hours worked with children since earning your CDA.
- A letter of recommendation from an early childhood professional.
- Proof of membership in a national or local early childhood professional organization.
All renewal coursework or training must be specific and relevant to your CDA Credential type. ChildCareEd has a CDA renewal for each CDA Credential type!
ChildCareEd is 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.
You will need to show proof of current membership in an early childhood professional organization. Requirements for membership include:
- Membership must be current at the time of submission of the CDA Renewal Application.
- Membership may be an individual or center membership.
You will need to select a Verifier to review your training and membership documentation.
The Verifier can be an education coordinator, a center director, an assistant director, or another authorized staff person.
Within one year prior to submitting your renewal application, you must have worked a minimum of 80 hours with children in the setting of your original credential.
You must select an #early_childhood education professional to serve as your Early Childhood Education (ECE) Reviewer.
The ECE Reviewer you select must have current (within the past year) firsthand knowledge of your skills and abilities working with children in the setting of your original credential. The ECE Reviewer can be an education coordinator, a co-worker, a center director, or a member of an early childhood organization to which you belong. The ECE Reviewer will be writing a letter of recommendation based on your work with children within the past year.
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.