The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in Early Childhood Education. The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children. The Council works to ensure that the nationally-transferable CDA is a credible and valid credential, recognized by the profession as a vital part of professional development.
In order to qualify for a CDA Credential, the Candidate must have the following:
- A minimum of a high school diploma/ GED or be currently enrolled in a high school career / technical program; and
- 480 hours of experience - the candidate must have obtained 480 hours of experience working with young children in the appropriate setting in the last three years.