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Getting a CDA Credential: All CDA Settings

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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.

What is a CDA Credential?

A CDA is an early childhood education certification. 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 educational journey. To learn more about the CDA, choose a setting below.

Please click the settings below to learn more (includes information on the professional portfolio, PD specialist, verification visit, and CDA exam).

Family Childcare CDA Credential

Image for Family Childcare CDA Credential Family Childcare CDA Credential
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Choose this setting if you work in a residential home setting. Registered, licensed, and group home child care facilities fall in this category. Learn more about Care Courses' CourseBook and online CDA training, certificates, and process.

Infant/Toddler Center-Based CDA Credential

Image for Infant Toddler CDA Credential Infant/Toddler CDA Credential
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Choose this setting if you work in a center setting and primarily care for infants and toddlers. You must be working with infants and toddlers to choose this setting. Click to learn more about Care Courses' CourseBook and online training, certificates, process and cost for the Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate credential.

Preschool Center-Based CDA Credential

Image for Preschool CDA Preschool CDA Credential
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Choose this setting if you work in a center setting and primarily care for preschoolers. You must be working with preschoolers (ages 3-5) to choose this setting. Click the photo to learn more about Care Courses' CourseBook and online training, certificates, process and cost for the Preschool Child Development Associate credential.

Home Visitor CDA Credential Information

Image for Home Visitor CDA Home Visitor
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Choose this setting if you make home visits and do not work in a home or center child care facility. You must be making home visits or work in a program that teaches parenting skills to adults to choose this setting. Click the photo to learn more about the Home Visitor Child Development Associate credential process.

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