The Council for Professional Recognition awards the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential. The CDA credential is the most widely known and valued in the early childhood education (ECE) field. To earn the CDA credential you must demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and practices as an early childhood educator.
The CDA credential is a stepping stone to career advancement within the ECE field.
- The CDA opens up enormous opportunities for career growth and advancement, including increased earning potential.
- The CDA ensures your knowledge of the field is current and at the forefront of the industry.
- Earning the CDA builds confidence both personally and professionally.
- Earning this credential makes you certified as an infant/toddler or preschool teacher and may also certify you as a lead teacher.
Learn more about the credential at https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/educator-pathways/
The Early Childhood Education Career Training program is free for participants, and includes the following:
- Enrollment in a 24 week (120 training hours) online course
- Weekly in-person group educational coaching and on-site mentoring
- 480 hours of a paid internship at an early childhood program to build work experience toward the CDA credential
- Coverage of all course materials and CDA application fee
- Pediatric First Aid and CPR/AED certification
- Access to a Chromebook and internet hotspot
- Personalized academic support and career advising