What is the Child Development Associate Credential?

The CDA is a National credential awarded to early childhood professionals who have shown they have met the beginning level CDA competencies needed for working with young children. It is a significant accomplishment and an option for starting a successful career in early childhood education. 

A Child Development Associates (CDA) is a Credential awarded by the Council of Professional Recognition in Washington D.C.  The process to obtain a National CDA Credential is the same regardless of where, or how, you complete the required 120 hours of CDA Training. The CDA Credential is acknowledged and accepted Nationwide and serves as proof that the person holding the CDA is an educated, qualified, childcare professional.
​
Obtaining a 120 hour certificate for the CDA training is the first step in the CDA Credential process.  

A CDA is a National credential which means that you can take it with you when you move from state to state.

In many states, child care teachers must have a CDA to work with young children.  Government programs, such as Head Start, require a CDA Credential.  In some states, the CDA Credential meets the entry level educational requirements to become a Director or Program Supervisor of a child care center, or licensed home child care. 
On average, students complete the full CDA Credential process in about one year. However, a CDA Credential can be achieved in as little as 3 to 4 months for highly motivated students.

Our virtual classroom CDA Training is $385.   A payment plan option is available. 
​
The Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) meets the educational requirements to be a director of a child care center in Washington State, or a  Headstart teacher in any state.
​
Obtaining a 120 hour certificate for the CDA training is the first step in the CDA Credential process.  

'Earning a CDA Credential makes me a better teacher'
Video Source: CDA Council, ​Council for Professional Recognition
http://www.cdacouncil.org/