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Getting a CDA Credential: All CDA Settings


What is a CDA Credential?

A CDA is an early childhood education certification offered by the CDA Council for Professional Recognition. The meaning of CDA is "Child Development Associates Credential." Also called an ece certificate or certificate in early childhood development, a CDA is a great first step along your early childhood career.

How do you get a CDA? Care Courses can help.

The Council offers CDA Credentials in the following childcare settings: infant & toddler center-based, preschooler center-based, family childcare, and home visitor. Click on the CDA settings below to learn more. 

Care Courses' CDA training prepares CDA applicants for obtaining their CDA Credential.

  • We have a dedicated team of friendly CDA specialists, and we offer unlimited, free trainer and customer service support.
  • We offer all of our CDA training in our fully online training format and our popular CourseBook training format enjoyed by early childhood professionals throughout the United States.
  • We are an official partner of the CDA Council and an one of the original CDA Gold Standard Training Organizations.

Moreover, we have an exceptional track record. We have helped tens of thousands of early childhood professionals successfully complete their CDA training and go on to get their CDA credentials. 

CDA Settings

Please click the settings below to learn more (includes information on the professional portfolio, PD specialist, verification visit, and CDA exam). Not sure which setting to choose? Click here to learn how to get your CDA credential and choose your setting.

Infant/Toddler Center-Based CDA Credential

Preschool Center-Based CDA Credential

Family Child Care CDA Credential

Home Visitor CDA Credential Information


Official Partner of the CDA Council and CDA Gold Standard Training Organization

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In July 2017, the CDA Council for Professional Recognition awarded Care Courses the new CDA Gold Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our courses, the unlimited, free support services we provide for our students, and our effective online and CourseBook training options. In 2022 we became an official partner of the Council. We are proud to work closely with the CDA Council to support early childhood professionals throughout the entire United States.

Try our Free CDA 101 Tutorial to Learn More About the CDA Process

Do You Need to Renew Your Current CDA Credential?



What our CDA students say

I am in love with the Care Courses! I love that I can do my studying between work, my family and everything else that I have going on. It's one of the most unstressful classes I have had. The material is so easy to follow and then I go online and answer the test questions from the comfort of my home. I HIGHLY recommend this online course for anyone looking to get their CDA certification. :) Thank you so much!
  - Las Vegas, Nevada
I am working on my Child Development Associate for Preschool and have done my classes through Care Courses. The classes have always gone smoothly and I knew where to get help if I needed it. I am very glad I choose to take the CDA classes through Care Courses.
  - Eau Claire, Wisconsin
I am very happy with the Care Courses. I purchased the books, so I could do them at home in my spare time. When I was finished, I took the test on line. Very user friendly. Your techs are so helpful, professional and friendly. I have purchased a CDA Competency Standard Book. I have started my portfolio. Thank you, again. I know where to go if I need further assistance.
  - Soldotna, Alaska
I’m finding the CDA course to be very informative and enjoying the read. It is relevant and very easy to implement. I especially love the way it challenges my original thoughts about providing daycare. It has given me much food for thought.
  - Glen Falls, New York