Path 1 — Start Working Immediately as a Teacher
A Teacher only requires a high school diploma or GED and must be at least 18 years old. So they can start working right away, then: Child Care Aware MN
- Complete orientation within 1 week
- Food Preparation and Nutrition
- Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases
- Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Use of Safe Sleep Practices
- Administration of Medicine
- Prevention of and response to allergic reactions
- Building and Physical Premises Safety
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
- Responding to Emergencies
- Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials
- Appropriate Precautions in Transportation of Children
- Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Reporting
- Complete ELCCT within 90 days
- Obtain CPR & First Aid within 3 months
ChildCareEd offers two options:
- First Aid/CPR Blended — online portion completed on ChildCareEd, skills portion completed in person
- First Aid/CPR In-Person — fully in-person, instructor-led
Both are from approved sources accepted by OPDR.
- Get on the OPDL within 12 months
Here at ChildCareEd we have a ready-made bundle with all the courses needed to obtain your OPDL
- Complete 12–20 hours of training annually to maintain OPDL
Path 2 — Work as Teacher → Climb to Master Teacher
Once working as a Teacher, they can work toward becoming a Master Teacher by reaching OPDL Level 4 or higher. Three ways to get there:
Option A — Oklahoma Competency Certificate (Level 4)
- Complete 1,050 hours of child care training through a Career Technology Center
- Pass the Master Teacher competency exam
- No expiration on the certificate
Option B — CDA Credential (Level 5)
- Complete 120 clock hours of child care training
- Log 480 hours of experience working with children
- Build a professional portfolio and pass the CDA exam
- ChildCareEd offers CECPD-approved CDA programs that satisfy this requirement
Option C — 12 College Credit Hours in ECE/CD/SA (Level 5)
- Complete 12 credit hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from an accredited college
- Can be done while working
