What is a CDA?
CDA stands for Child Development Associate.   A Child Development Associate is a person who has received a CDA credential.  A CDA is able to meet the specific needs of children and, with parents and other adults, works to nurture children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. 

What is a CDA credential?
A CDA credential is the nationally recognized credential that a person is awarded after:

• Successful completion of a 120 hour professional training program;
• Demonstration of skills needed to work with children and their families;
• Successful completion  of a resource file;
• Submission of a credential assessment application to the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C. and;
• Successful completion of a formal written and oral review by a representative from the Council for Professional Recognition.

Established in 1975, the CDA credential continues to grow in acceptance and is now built into training standards for several national organizations, including the National Association of Family Child Care and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. 

There are several types of CDA endorsements:  Center-based Infant toddler, Center-based Pre-school, Family child Care, Home Visitor, Bilingual and Special Education.  The Child Care Council offers both traditional and on-line 120 hour CDA training programs for the Center-based Infant Toddler, Center-based Pre-school, and Family Child Care endorsements. 

What are the requirements for the Council’s 120 hour CDA training programs:

• be at least 18 years of age.
• have a high school diploma or GED
• have worked in a licensed child care program or nursery school for at least one (1) year.
• be able to speak, read and write in English fluently enough to fulfill the responsibilities of a CDA candidate.