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Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

What is a CDA?
A CDA (Child Development Associate) is a person who has earned the Child Development Associate Credential. It is a nationally recognized entry level credential and an entrée into the field of Early Childhood Education. A CDA credential places you on level 6 of the State of Alaska SEED Registry.

The Council for Professional Recognition is the entity who awards the credential, based on the application of each candidate.

A person can earn a CDA credential in the following specializations:

  • Infant and Toddler Center Based Setting
  • Preschool Center Based Setting
  • Family Child Care Setting
  • Home Visitor Setting

To apply for the CDA credential a candidate must complete the following:

  • 120 clock hours of creditable training in 8 specific content areas
  • 480 hours of relevant work experience
  • Have a formal observation done by a Council approved advisor
  • Complete a Resource File to the Council’s specifications
  • Complete a written and oral review of competency with a Council Representative

Why would someone want to earn a CDA Credential?
Earning a CDA credential shows others in the field of Early Childhood Education that you have achieved competency in the following competency areas:

  • Healthy Safe Learning Environment
  • Physical and Intellectual Competence
  • Social Emotional Development and Positive Guidance
  • Positive Productive Relationships with Families
  • Program Management
  • Professionalism

Earning a CDA credential also puts you on a career path that will open up employment doors in the field of Early Care and Education, not only in the State of Alaska but Nationwide, since this credential is recognized throughout the United States.

For more information on how we at AEYC-SEA can help you with earning your CDA credential, give us a call! You can do it, one step at a time and we can be there for you every step of the way.

CDA Resources:

CDA Credential Action Plan

CDA Training Content Areas