Child Development Associate Credential

Earning the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a way for child care professionals to substantially increase their knowledge of early care and education best practices, demonstrate a commitment to providing excellent care, and advance their careers.
It is the minimum requirement to be a lead teacher in a child care center, and Head Start requires all classroom staff to have the credential.

CDA Facts:

• The CDA credential is for people caring for children ages birth to 5-years-old in child care programs.
• In New York State, you can be a Group Teacher in a Child Care Center if that is the policy of the center. Nationally, Assistant Teachers in Head Start centers must have a CDA Credential.
• There are 3 different CDA Credentials
  • Infant Toddler (birth to 36 months)
  • Preschool (3-5)
  • Family Child Care (birth to age 5)
• To apply to the Council for Professional Recognition to receive the CDA Credential, you must first take a 120-hour CDA Credential course. From beginning a class to receiving the credential can take about 1 year.
• The application process includes being observed in a Visitation Visit and taking an electronic Exam.
• The CDA Credential must be renewed every 3 years.

The Child Care Council of Westchester’s CDA program offers career advice, support while taking a CDA Course, and assistance with applying to receive your CDA Credential and then renewing it.

We offer both in-person and online CDA Courses in English and in Spanish.

Applicants for the CDA Credential and the Child Care Council’s CDA courses must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be working in a child care program or seeking employment in one
• Be able to speak, read and write in English or Spanish fluently enough to fulfill the responsibilities of a CDA candidate

To inquire about CDA, please click here to complete the form. For additional questions, please contact cda@cccwny.org