Why I decided to earn my CDA Credential with ChildCareEd. - post

Are you a childcare provider in Baltimore County looking to increase your salary and develop professionally? Advancing your credentials is one of the most reliable routes to higher pay and leadership. The CDA Preschool Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00 and the CDA Family Child Care Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00 are self‑paced ChildCareEd programs that provide the 120 formal training hours the Council expects for CDA applicants; they let you learn on your schedule while you continue working.

Early in my career I worked as a classroom aide in a four‑year‑old classroom earning $11.00 an hour. College felt out of reach, so I looked for an alternate, career‑focused pathway. On ChildCareEd I found clear guidance about the CDA process—120 hours of formal training combined with supervised work experience—and realized I could pursue credentialing while remaining employed. I also identified funding avenues through the Maryland State Department of Education's Division of Early Childhood that reduced my personal cost.

How does Maryland funding support CDA candidates?

Maryland Family Network, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), and the Council for Professional Recognition offer financial assistance programs intended to reduce barriers for eligible early childhood educators pursuing the CDA Credential. Funding availability and eligibility rules vary by jurisdiction and cohort; confirm current details with MSDE or your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency.

See a Baltimore County provider’s experience and an example of funding amounts on the ChildCareEd practitioner post: Why I decided to earn my CDA Credential with ChildCareEd.

What costs does the Maryland CDA fund typically cover?

Specific covered costs depend on the current funding cycle and the administering organization, but Maryland funding announcements commonly include assistance for these items:

• Initial online assessment fee (for example, a Council or testing center fee)
• Application or renewal fees for the credential
• Required materials such as the CDA Competency Standards book or exam preparation materials

Always verify the current covered items, application steps, and eligibility with the MSDE Division of Early Childhood or the funding announcement page. For Maryland-specific guidance, see the ChildCareEd article Earning Your CDA in Maryland which summarizes typical state supports and next steps.

What steps are required to earn a CDA through ChildCareEd?

ChildCareEd provides the formal training portion of the CDA process and portfolio supports but does not issue the CDA Credential. The Council for Professional Recognition awards the CDA after you complete all steps. The typical pathway includes these steps:

1. Complete 120 hours of formal early childhood training (ChildCareEd offers self‑paced 120‑hour programs such as the CDA Preschool Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00, CDA Family Child Care Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00, or the CDA Infant/Toddler Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00).
2. Accumulate the required supervised work experience (commonly 480 hours) in the age group specified by the credential type.
3. Compile and submit a Professional Portfolio documenting reflective competency statements, teaching samples, and required paperwork. ChildCareEd offers portfolio guidance and optional portfolio review by CDA PD Specialists.
4. Register for and complete the CDA exam and complete any required verification visit by a PD Specialist. The Council reviews exam results, the verification feedback, and the portfolio before awarding the credential.

For a concise official overview of the Council's requirements (training, experience, portfolio, exam, verification) see the ChildCareEd CDA overview: ChildCareEd – Child Development Associate Credential. Use that page to confirm steps and timelines before you apply to the Council.

Which ChildCareEd courses will help me complete the training requirement?

Choose the credential aligned with your work setting and age group. Helpful ChildCareEd courses include:

• CDA Preschool Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00 — 120 hours for educators in center‑based preschool (ages 3–5).
• CDA Family Child Care Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00 — 120 hours for family child care/home providers (birth–5).
• CDA Infant/Toddler Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00 — 120 hours for educators working with children birth–36 months.

If you already have 90 hours of approved training, consider one of the 30‑hour Bridge Bundles to complete the 120‑hour requirement. ChildCareEd's PD Specialists can also support portfolio development and review.

Which articles should I read next?

Further ChildCareEd reading that answers common candidate questions:

• When Is the Right Time to Earn Your CDA
• Boost Your ECE Career: Invest in the CDA Credential!
• How the CDA Helps Preschools Succeed
• Earning Your CDA in Maryland
• Why do I need a CDA Credential?
• Essential Tips Before Earning Your CDA Credential

What should I do next to start my CDA journey?

If you are ready to begin: 1) choose the ChildCareEd credential that fits your setting, 2) confirm funding/eligibility with MSDE or your local resource agency, 3) enroll in ChildCareEd training and begin portfolio work, and 4) track your hours and prepare for the exam and verification visit. ChildCareEd's PD Specialists and portfolio review options are intended to reduce barriers and speed successful completion.