The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. The CDA Credential is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide ECE professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children.
There are four credentials offered:
For more information on how a CDA credential fits in to Pennsylvania’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Career Pathway, visit the Career Pathway page.
Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has implemented statewide Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organization (ECE PDOs). These PDOs specialize in access to credit-bearing coursework and credentials for the early childhood education (ECE) workforce. The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), lead by Shippensburg University and Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) are the PDOs in Pennsylvania. See a regional map. (PDF)
When looking for a CDA program, your regional PDO will assist you in identifying the best program to fit your needs.
The CDA® renewal process gives you the opportunity to reaffirm your competence as Preschool, Infant-Toddler, Family Child Care or Home Visitor Child Development Associate®. A CDA credential is valid for 3 years from the award date.
NOTE: A CDA credential must be renewed before it expires. Those seeking renewal should prepare in advance and be ready to submit a complete application with supporting documents when their renewal window opens up to 6 months before their credential expires.
Council for Professional Recognition
2460 16th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009-3547
Office hours: 8am – 5pm EST
800-424-4310
202-265-9090
www.cdacouncil.org