What Is CDA
The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a nationally recognized certification that validates an early childhood educator's knowledge and competency in child development, learning environments, and family engagement. Administered by the Council for Professional Recognition, the CDA is the most widely held credential for childcare professionals who work with children from birth through age 5.
The CDA differs from a college degree in that it focuses on demonstrated competency rather than classroom hours alone. To earn the credential, candidates must complete 120 clock hours of professional development, have 480 documented hours of work experience in the past 5 years, and pass a comprehensive assessment that includes an exam and a portfolio review by a professional evaluator.
CDA and Licensing Requirements
While the CDA is not required by law in every state, many licensing regulations now reference it as meeting education and training standards. Some states count CDA-certified staff toward ratio requirements or use the credential to satisfy ongoing professional development mandates. For example, staff with a CDA may help a center maintain lower child-to-staff ratios, which can affect a facility's ability to serve more children and remain financially viable.
The CDA is also recognized by NAEYC accreditation standards. While NAEYC does not mandate that all staff hold a CDA, centers seeking accreditation benefit from having multiple CDA-certified educators, as it demonstrates institutional commitment to qualified staffing and typically accelerates the accreditation process.
Practical Implications for Parents
When you're evaluating childcare options, the presence of CDA-certified staff is a concrete indicator of training quality. Ask your prospective provider how many staff members hold the CDA and what their professional development looks like. CDA-certified teachers have completed specific training in child development milestones, curriculum design, and culturally responsive practices, which directly affects how they support your child's learning.
Parents using Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) subsidies should know that some states prioritize reimbursement rates for centers with higher percentages of credentialed staff. This means your subsidy may stretch further at a center with multiple CDA educators.
Common Questions
- Does my childcare provider need a CDA to be good at their job? Not necessarily. Many skilled educators are working toward the credential or hold other qualifications. However, the CDA demonstrates that an educator has met a standardized set of competencies and is committed to ongoing Professional Development.
- How long does it take to earn a CDA? Most candidates complete the 120 required clock hours in 6 to 12 months while working, though the timeline depends on course availability and individual pace. The entire credentialing process, from enrollment to final verification, typically takes 9 to 18 months.
- Is the CDA the same as early childhood education training? The CDA is one credential within the broader ECE field. It's complementary to associate or bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, and many educators hold both the CDA and a college degree for advancement.