Path 1: Earn Your CDA Credential
Path 2 : Already working in a Child care center
Two Ways ChildCareEd Can Help You Qualify as a Center Teacher
Path 1: Earn Your CDA Credential
The CDA (Child Development Associate) credential is one of Minnesota's accepted teacher qualification options under MN Rule 9503. ChildCareEd provides the full 120 hours of training required to earn it.
All courses are self-paced, fully online, and cover all 8 CDA Subject Areas. The Portfolio Review versions include feedback from ChildCareEd's certified CDA PD Specialists before your certificate is issued — recommended for first-time candidates.
Path 2: Maintain Your Position with a Track 2 Variance
Already working in a center but not yet pursuing a CDA or degree? ChildCareEd courses count toward both the initial education hours needed to qualify for a Track 2 Teacher Variance and the 14 annual hours required to keep it active each year.
| Variance Option | Experience Hours Needed | Training Hours Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Option A | 1,040 hrs (640 at current center) | 100 education hours |
| Option B | 4,160 hrs (640 at current center) | 50 education hours |
Once approved, complete 14 hours of ChildCareEd courses per year to maintain your variance. All completions are posted automatically to the Develop Registry.
ChildCareEd is a Develop-approved Training Sponsor Organization in Minnesota (TSO #142735). Our courses are reviewed and approved through Achieve (MNCPD) and automatically reported to the Develop Registry when you link your Develop ID to your account, making it simple to meet Minnesota's licensing and training requirements online, at your own pace.
