What is the CDA?

CDA is an acronym for Child Development Associate. To become a CDA you must obtain the CDA credential from the Council for Professional Recognition (the Council). The Council works to improve the professional status of early childhood workers and helps to meet the growing need for qualified child care staff. Founded in 1985, the Council is a nonprofit corporation in Washington, DC. The Council’s mission is to increase the status and recognition of early care and education professionals who care for children from birth through 5 years of age. The council awards the CDA credential to those who successfully complete the CDA assessment.

Sounds complicated but it’s really not.  One of the first steps to becoming a CDA is the 120 hours of required training. You may already have taken many in-service trainings. The hours you have already taken may count toward your CDA.  NCC also has CDA Training classes.  Click on Training Info to get the current schedule.

If you are a CDA or have qualifications to be a trainer, please call us or e-mail our director, Penny Bauer at penny@clevelandchildcare.org  to find out about becoming one of our trainers.