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What is a CDA Credential?

The Child Development Associate credential (CDA) is a national credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition to individuals who have successfully completed the CDA assessment process. Earning the CDA credential has many advantages, including motivating caregivers toward continuing education and providing a platform for professional and career opportunities in Early Childhood Development.

"The concept for the CDA Credential was initiated in 1971 as a national movement to improve the quality of child care and was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF)." ~ excerpt from the Council of Professional Recognition history and mission statement

Steps Toward Earning Your CDA Credential

Step-by-step help from Better Kid Care

Download and print informational brochure
on 5 steps toward earning your CDA credential

Better Kid Care can help you complete your formal CDA education requirements -- Better Kid Care offers professional development training through one-and two-hour Distance Education lessons that meet the formal child care education training requirement needed to obtain a CDA credential. The Distance Education lessons are coded according to the CDA content areas.

CDA Resources

Resources and information from Better Kid Care to help you obtain your CDA credential:

Application and CDA Requirements

Distance Learning - Better Kid Care lessons for your CDA formal education requirement

CDA/PDR - A tool to record your CDA formal education

Financial Support

CDA Renewal

List of Contacts

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