Child Development Associate

CDA Credential Settings:

• Center-based Credential
  • Infant / Toddler Center-based Credential
  • Preschool Center-based Credential
• Home Visitor Credential
• Family Child Care Credentials are available for all settings.

Note: This Credential may only be awarded by the Professional Recognition Council through the application process.

Training Requirements

Eligibility requirement for CDA Candidates to have 120 hours of formal preschool education can be achieved through participation in a wide range of training activities.

Available in the field, including on-site. While the hours of formal education may be credit or non-credit, the hours must be through an agency or organization with expertise. Preparation for early childhood teachers. The Agency or the Organization shall provide verification of the training of the applicant in the form of a transcript, certificate, or letter.

120 hours of training must be documented, with no less than 10 hours in duration in each of the following areas of content:

1. Planning for a safe, healthy, learning environment
2. Steps to advance the physical and intellectual development of children;
3. Positive ways of supporting children's social and emotional development;
4. Strategies for establishing productive relationships with families;
5. Strategies for managing an effective operation of the program;
6. Maintain a commitment to professionalism;
7. Observing and recording the behavior of children;
8. The principles of children's development and learning.

Atheneum Global Teacher Training College delivers an internationally recognized 120 hours CDA credential training program on its training platform. Participants who successfully clear this certification program can then apply directly with the CDA Council to kickstart the formal endorsement process. If the candidate lacks the required 480 hours of experience in working with children, we organize suitable internships for candidates to become eligible for the CDA qualification.

Eligibility Requirement for CDA Council:

Candidates seeking to apply for CDA assessment in any of the three settings (center-based, family child care, and home visitor) must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Hold a high school diploma
• Have 480 hours of experience working with children within the past five years
• Have 120 clock hours of formal child care education within the past five years

Candidates applying for a Bilingual Endorsement must meet the above requirements and be able to speak, read, and write well enough in both English and another language to understand and be understood by both children and adults.

All Candidates must also be able to identify an appropriate setting where they can be observed working as the lead caregiver.