Child Development Associate Credential

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally and the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE). Our Child Development Associate (CDA) training preparation program is state approved by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning’s Training Approval System. The program is designed to equip candidates to become skilled early education practitioners.

The CDA is the next best step on the path toward advancement in ECE. Candidates are offered career pathway options leading to a credential in any of the following settings: Center-based Infant-Toddler, Center-based Preschool, and Family Child Care.

In conjunction with gaining valuable classroom experience, candidates participate in customized employability skills training to specifically meet the growing demands for careers in the early childhood care and education field, including classroom teachers, center support staff, home visitors, program administrators and family childcare providers. Advance career pathway opportunities are also available to select candidates meeting requirements for the program administrator (40-Director’s Training Certificate).

​Gaining the CDA credential can also provide professional opportunities for private enterprise opportunities consisting of school-age care and specialized care support for differently-abled children. Based on a core set of competency standards, candidates complete 120-hours of rigorous coursework using the Essentials for Working with Young Children,  prepare a professional portfolio, and must pass a standardized exam to earn the Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).