What Is the CDA Credential? A Simple Guide for Child Care Providers - post

What Is the CDA Credential? A Simple Guide for Child Care Providers

If you work with young children, you might have heard about the CDA credential. But what exactly is it, and why do so many child care workers want it? This guide will help you understand what the CDA is, how it works, and how it helps your career. #earlychildhood #CDA 

What Does “CDA” Mean?

“CDA” stands for Child Development Associate.
It is a special credential (a certificate) that shows you have training and skills in early childhood education. The CDA is well known in the United States and respected by child care centers and preschool programs.

Having a CDA shows employers and families that you know how to:

• Teach and support young children
• Create a safe, healthy learning environment
• Work well with families
• Help children grow and learn each day

Who Gives the CDA Credential?

The CDA Credential is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, a national group that sets the standards for quality in early childhood education. You earn it after completing training, experience, a portfolio, and an exam.

How Do You Earn the CDA Credential?

Here are the main steps you will follow:

1. Complete 120 Hours of Training

You must take 120 hours of training in early childhood education. This training must cover the eight subject areas that the CDA requires.

You can train online with courses like:

• ➡️ CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review – 120 hours of training plus help with your professional portfolio.
• ➡️ CDA Introduction Course – A free first step to understand the CDA process before you begin your full training.
• ➡️ CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review – Training for family child care providers (same type of training as preschool but for home-based care).

You can choose training that fits the age group you work with. All courses are online, so you can study at your own pace.

2. Get Work Experience

You also need at least 480 hours of work experience with children in the setting you choose (like preschool, infants, or family child care). This shows you can use what you learned in real life.

3. Create a Professional Portfolio

A professional portfolio is a folder that shows how you use what you learned in your daily work with children. It includes things like:

• Reflective statements
• Photos of your work
• Family questionnaires
• Documents showing your training

Your portfolio is very important when you apply for your CDA.

👉 ChildCareEd offers helpful resources like the CDA Credential Checklist to stay organized during this step.

4. Take the CDA Exam and Assessment

After your training and portfolio are ready, you take a CDA exam. It has multiple-choice questions about early childhood practices. Some people also have a Verification Visit, where a trained specialist visits your classroom to see your skills in action.

Why Is the CDA Credential Helpful?

Earning a CDA credential can help your career in many ways. Here are some important benefits:

fidence – You learn new skills that help you feel strong and capable in your work.

💡 Higher Respect – Parents and directors see you as a trained and trusted professional.

💡 Greater Knowledge – The training covers how children grow, how to plan activities, and how to build good relationships with families.

Tips for Success

Here are some helpful tips for your CDA journey:

🔹 Make a Study Plan – Set small goals each week so your work feels easier.
🔹 Use Free Resources – ChildCareEd has free checklists and guides to support you.
🔹 Stay Organized – Keep all your certificates, notes, and portfolio documents in one place.

Want More Help?

ChildCareEd has useful resources to support your CDA process.
Check out this free resource: ➡️ CDA Credential Checklist to make sure you complete each step correctly.

You can also read more about building your portfolio in this article:
➡️ CDA Portfolio: Build a Winning Child Development Associate Portfolio.

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➡️ With the right training, practice, and planning — the CDA credential can be your key to a stronger career in early childhood education. You’ve got this! 🙌