CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE® CREDENTIAL
Professional Recognition Without a Degree
The nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ offers recognition for valuable knowledge about working with children and helping them reach their full potential. It is often a first step into a career educating young children. Child Care Aware of Minnesota offers several supports for educators pursuing or renewing their CDA®, including training, advising services, and financial supports.
The Council for Professional Recognition awards the CDA® and is the go-to resource for more information about the CDA® assessment and requirements.
The MNCDA combines required training with personalized support to help early educators earn the nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ at no-cost.
The MNCDA consists of eight, 15-hour modules - one for each of the required CDA® content areas. All trainings are held online as instructor-led classes on Eager-to-Learn, Child Care Aware of Minnesota’s e-learning program. All eight modules can be completed in as little as four to six months, making this the quickest pathway to a CDA® we’ve ever offered.
Benefits
- Greater Flexibility - Take only the training you need! Participants can now choose to take only the modules they need to complete their CDA® training requirements. Whether you’ve completed 60 hours of CDA® training or zero, the MNCDA can help you reach your goals.
- No Cost - Unlike previous offerings, there is no upfront cost to participate in the MNCDA! All training is free, and there are grants available to cover the cost of the CDA® application fee. Plus, receive free materials like the required CDA® Competency Standards book and flashcards to help you study.
- Personalized Support - A CDA® Consultant will help you along the way! You’ll receive one-on-one support developing your portfolio and preparing for the exam and visit.
To learn more or get started, reach out to MNCDA@childcareawaremn.org!
No matter where you are in their process of earning or renewing your CDA®, Professional Development Advisors are available to offer support and guidance. Contact your local Professional Development Advisor or complete our CDA Interest Form for one-on-one assistance regarding goal setting, training verification, and more.
As you prepare to apply for the CDA®, it can be helpful to have additional support completing your Professional Portfolio. Child Care Aware of Minnesota offers free access to a Portfolio Specialist who can help with the following tasks:
- Review the work you have already completed.
- Provide feedback to expand on ideas.
- Answer general questions about portfolio requirements and CDA® requirements.
- Share CDA® resources.
This opportunity is available to CDA® candidates who are not enrolled in the MNCDA through Eager-to-Learn or a Child Care Aware of Minnesota district office. Space is limited and based upon availability.
Complete our CDA Interest Form to get started!
CDA® Awards help candidates pay for the required training, application, and renewal of the nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™.
To learn more about the financial support available, visit the CDA® Awards page.
