A Child Development Associate (C.D.A.) is a credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C.

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This credential is acknowledged and accepted nationwide and serves as proof that the person holding the C.D.A. is an educated, qualified childcare professional. The C.D.A. is used across the country to improve the star quality rating of a childcare center and allows the holder to apply for positions that require a Child Development Associate credential, open a childcare center, and much more.

 

Program Highlights:

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• 100% online

• 8-week course

• Work at your own pace, anytime—day or night

• Accessible by phone, laptop, or desktop

• Access to your instructor by email, text, and phone

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GRANT AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE
(Except Louisiana and New Mexico)

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C.D.A. Course Cost:

All students who register automatically receive the grant until funds run out.

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Our C.D.A. classes normally cost $795.00; however, at this time, thanks to the ChildUP Grant, all students who enroll in our program will pay only $99.00 for the course (plus textbooks).

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Students may choose one of the following C.D.A. types:

• Infant/Toddler C.D.A. (6 weeks to 2 years)

• Preschool C.D.A. (3 years to school age)

• Birth to 5 C.D.A. (6 weeks to 5 years)

• Family (In-Home Provider) C.D.A. (care for all age groups in your private home)

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All courses are also available in Spanish.
Students may choose to receive a bilingual CDA at no additional cost.

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Student Requirements:

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• Must be 18 years or older

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (or will graduate by the time of testing)

• Must have a minimum of 480 hours of experience (approximately 12 weeks full-time or 24 weeks part-time) in a childcare setting

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What do I do after I complete the course?

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After completing our program, you will need to be observed working in a classroom with children and then take your final exam through the C.D.A. Council.

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As with all other programs, including college programs, the fee for this exam is not included in your course cost. However, the great news is that your state may offer a grant to help cover this expense.

You can find more information about available assessment grants for your state at the link below.