Child Development Associate (CDA)
A nationally recognized early childhood education credential administered by the Council for Professional Recognition.
The Child Development Associate (CDA) is a nationally recognized entry-level credential for early childhood educators working with children from birth through age 5. Administered by the Council for Professional Recognition, the CDA requires 120 hours of professional education, 480 hours of work experience with children, a professional portfolio, a written exam, and a formal observation by a CDA Professional Development Specialist. Candidates select one of four CDA settings: Infant/Toddler (birth to 36 months) center-based, Preschool (3 to 5 years) center-based, Family Child Care (home-based), or Home Visitor. The total cost including the required 120 hours of training, exam fees ($425), and materials typically runs $1,000 to $3,000, making it substantially more accessible than an associate or bachelor degree in early childhood education. The CDA is valid for three years and requires renewal with 45 hours of continuing education, a current first-aid certification, and continued work experience. Many states require or incentivize the CDA for childcare workers: some states require the CDA or equivalent for lead teachers in licensed centers, Head Start requires at least 50% of teachers nationally to hold bachelor degrees with the remainder typically holding CDAs or higher, and most Quality Rating and Improvement Systems award additional quality points for CDA-credentialed staff. The CDA is often a stepping stone to further education, with credit typically applicable toward associate and bachelor degrees in early childhood at participating colleges. The CDA has grown substantially: the Council for Professional Recognition reports more than 50,000 new CDAs issued annually. Research finds that teachers with CDAs demonstrate better interactions with children than uncredentialed teachers, though the gains are smaller than for teachers with bachelor degrees in early childhood education. Many CCDF-subsidized programs receive bonuses for employing CDA-credentialed staff, and some states directly subsidize CDA training as a workforce investment.