The Child Development Associate (CDA)

A Child Development Associates (CDA) is a Credential awarded by the Council of Professional Recognition in Washington D.C. The CDA is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE), and is the most important stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. 

To obtain your CDA Credential, you must complete 120 hours within 8 competency standards. Regardless of where, or how, you complete the required 120 hours of CDA Training, the process to obtain the credential is the same. It is a National credential, which means that you can use your credentials from state to state. In many states teachers must have a CDA to work with young children.

• Advance your career
• Meet job requirements
• Reinforce your commitment to early childhood education
• Provide parents with peace of mind
• Understand developmentally appropriate practice
• Increase your confidence

• Be at least 18 or older
• Earn a high school diploma, GED or be enrolled as a junior or senior in a high school career and technical program in early childhood education.

• Center-based Infant/Toddler
• Center-based Preschool
• Family Child Care
• Home Visitor

The NSHES CDA Coursework Cost $350. Once you complete your coursework you will apply for the final assessment through the CDA Council of Professional Recognition. The fee for this is $425, which must be paid to the CDA Council.