If you’re in need of the coursework to get a CDA Credential, I’m going to share some of the most important details so that you can understand the process and make the best decision on your path in early childhood education.
I have partnered with ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), our favorite online professional development provider, to share more about the CDA Credential and how to find a high-quality online CDA coursework.
What is a CDA Certification?
The CDA certification, also known as the CDA Credential, is your way to getting your foot into the door as a preschool teacher, childcare provider, early childhood professional, toddler teacher, nanny, babysitter, and more. If you’ve ever wondered how to become a preschool teacher, this is one of the first steps!
CDA actually stands for Child Development Associate. The CDA Credential is a way of helping make childcare and early childhood professionals stand out before they have their degree. It requires 120 hours of professional development along with a portfolio. This means that if you already have an associate’s degree, then you do not need your CDA. Your next step would be a bachelor’s degree. However, if you do not have your degree yet, the CDA is the next best thing.
Many preschools and childcare centers look highly on those who have a CDA, and some even require a CDA Credential. If you’re looking for a career in childcare, working with children, or as a preschool teacher, you are in luck!
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How to Get a CDA Credential
With today’s technology, you no longer have to go somewhere to obtain the coursework needed to get a CDA Credential. You still could of course. But a more flexible option is to take the coursework needed for a CDA Credential online. That means getting your training hours in the comfort of your own home, while wearing pajamas, pausing it as needed, and sipping some coffee. Now, that is what I call a training!
A couple of years back, I first learned about ChildCare Education Institute which offers online professional development courses, as well as the coursework needed to obtain the CDA Credential – and even other programs such as a Director’s Certificate, NECPA NAC, FCCPC, and so much more. I’ve taken several of their courses now and whenever I have friends, colleagues, or directors who ask for a recommendation, CCEI is always at the top of my list.
What You Need to Know About Getting a CDA Certification Online
CDA coursework programs to obtain the CDA Credential are not all created the same. It’s kind of tricky actually and could be potentially really upsetting if you thought you had a certain type of CDA training but didn’t actually get the one you need. Even though the CDA Credential is nationally recognized, you still have to get the proper CDA training.
That’s the super tricky part. If you live in a particular state and don’t get the correct CDA training, you could potentially only have your CDA Credential for that state. Which means that if you move out of state, there will be some extra work and costs involved. I would hate for that to happen to you!
But that can be avoided by doing your homework on it. And if you are reading this post about CDA trainings, then you are already on the right path. When it comes to obtaining the coursework needed for a CDA Credential, ChildCare Education Institute is our preferred training source.
ChildCare Education Institute is a certified training provider of the CDA Council Gold Standard Comprehensive program. More about the CDA Gold Standard in a minute. But what I love about CCEI is that it is accepted in 49 states, offers coursework in English and Spanish, is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), has individual and center-based subscriptions (so an entire school can get trainings at once), and even offers a free trial course to new CCEI users and print-on-demand certificates after completing a course or certificate program.
The CDA Gold Standard
The CDA Gold Standard was created to set apart the top high-quality CDA training programs available. I like to consider it the Ivy Leagues of the CDA training programs available. Any time you enroll in a CDA Gold Standard program, you are getting the cream of the crop of training providers.
ChildCare Education Institute is one of the few online professional development programs that has taken the extra steps to get this excellence award. So you know that when you get the CCEI Gold Standard Program, you are not getting just another certification (or even the wrong one), but you are getting a CDA certification that will help set you up for success in your career. Not only will you have the CDA certificate that will be accepted by the CDA Council when you apply for the CDA Credential, but you also will be getting invaluable resources and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of the next generation.
I wish you the best in this next step of your journey. And I am so excited for what’s in store for your future!
For more information about CCEI’s partnership with the Council for Professional Recognition, read more here.
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Thank you for sharing this valuable information for those seeking to train for their CDA credential! To be able to take it on-line is a plus!! I’ve had my CDA for almost 10 years now in Florida & it has served me well. Best wishes to all & blessings to you Kate! I’ll be sharing this on my Pinterest board if that’s ok with you?!
Yes, isn’t online such an amazing resource, Miriam! It’s incredible how convenient trainings can be now! And you are the sweetest. We appreciate any pins! Thank you for all you do for young children!
Hi there! I obtained my Associate’s Degree in Social & Behavioral Science (and took many ECE classes) about 8 years ago. I was looking into getting my CDA as an option of brushing up/staying current/standing out in my field but I’m not sure if this makes sense to get when I already have an AA degree? Would getting a CDA be beneficial or unnecessary given the schooling I’ve already done? I work as a professional career nanny.
Hi Maggie,
Great question! I would probably work toward a BA degree or specialized training as a next step since you already have an AA. As a professional career nanny, you have a lot of flexibility that someone in a school does not have. I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Katie
If I am looking into opening my own day care would having a CDA be enough or would I need an associates?
Hi Amanda,
Every state has its own regulations with this. I would recommend talking to your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, and they should get you all set up!
Best wishes to you!
Hello, I am currently looking into being a preschool teacher but don’t know where to start. Would just getting a CDA work for getting a job as a preschool teacher or would getting an Associates Degree be better? I’ve read that CDA’s just help teachers keep their education up to date but I wasn’t sure if I could use that as my education instead of going to school.
Hi Makayla,
Getting a CDA is a great first step! I would get that, then work towards an Associate’s Degree. Wishing you the best!
Hi I’m trying to see with only becoming a preschool teacher, would CDA be a good to start? I already work at a daycare and I am also a substitute. Due to me working at the daycare I have some certificates and done some training already.
Hi Crystal,
Yes, the CDA would be the next step for you! Then, an associate’s degree would be after that. Thank you for all you do for children and families.
Hey I was looking into getting my cda and I was wondering once you finish the course and exam what are the pay scales for daycare ?
Hi Whitney,
Great question! Every area is a little bit different. I would recommend calling a few child care centers in your area and asking them.