Child development certificationUnited States

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

Council for Professional Recognition

What parents should know

The most widely recognized credential in early childhood education in the US. Demonstrates competency in working with children from birth to age 5.

Coaching is not therapy

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Requirements

120 hours of formal training, 480 hours of professional experience, portfolio, exam

Also known as

CDAChild Development Associate

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a credential of Council for Professional Recognition. The Parenting Passport is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Council for Professional Recognition. Information on this page is sourced from publicly available materials.

At a glance

Issued by
Council for Professional Recognition
Region
United States
Regulation
Not government-regulated
Requirements
120 hours of formal training, 480 hours of professional experience, portfolio, exam
Official website

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Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential: What Parents Need to Know | The Parenting Passport