Online Child Development Associate (CDA) Training

Our all-in-one program offers everything you need to earn your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, including the required training, national exam preparation, and setting up your observation, in person or virtually.

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What’s New in the CDA Process

The Council for Professional Recognition has announced important updates to the CDA process. Here’s what you need to know:

New CDA Credential: Birth to 5
A new, broader CDA credential is now available for those working with children from birth through age 5. We’re currently building this course and will offer it as an option soon.
Renewal Process Update
While this change doesn’t affect the course content, students renewing their CDA should review the new process to stay compliant.
Exam Now Comes First
Students must now complete the CDA exam before the Verification Visit. This change applies to all new CDA candidates.
Updated Scheduling Process
Step 1: Exam Authorization – After payment, candidates receive a “Ready to Schedule” notice with a six-month deadline to complete both steps and can schedule the exam.
Step 2: Verification Visit Authorization – After the exam score is received, a second notice allows candidates to schedule their verification visit.
Timeline Reminder
The six-month deadline to complete both steps still applies, so schedule the exam promptly.

Learn more about these updates on the CDA Council website.

Available Courses

Our CDA courses offer convenient, flexible learning options to support your professional growth in early childhood education.

Infant & Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) Class

If you’re passionate about caring for babies and toddlers, this course is your first step toward becoming a certified early childhood professional. Designed for those working with children from birth to age 3, this training helps you build the knowledge, awareness, and practical skills needed to support healthy development during the most critical years of a child’s life.

In this course, you’ll:
Learn how young children grow, learn, and form relationships during the first three years
Explore developmentally appropriate practices for infants and toddlers
Understand your role as an educator, caregiver, and advocate
Reflect on your goals, motivations, and professional responsibilities

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Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) Class

If you’re drawn to working with children ages 3 to 5, this course is designed to help you become a confident, qualified early childhood educator. The Preschool CDA Training introduces you to the foundational principles of early learning and prepares you to support young children through one of the most important stages of development.

In this course, you’ll:
Build your understanding of how preschoolers learn, grow, and express themselves
Learn developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 3 to 5
Explore different teaching roles, learning environments, and program types
Reflect on your reasons for entering the profession and what it means to be an educator
Strengthen your ability to advocate for young children and support their needs

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Family Childcare Child Development Associate (CDA) Class

If you’re interested in running or working in a home-based child care setting, this course is designed to help you build a strong foundation in early childhood education for children from birth to age 5. The Family Child Care CDA Training prepares you to create safe, developmentally appropriate learning environments within your own home or another home-based setting.

In this course, you’ll:
Learn how to support the growth and development of children from infancy through age 5
Explore best practices for managing mixed-age groups in a home care setting
Understand the unique responsibilities of family child care providers
Reflect on your goals, values, and motivations as an early childhood professional
Build advocacy skills to support young children and families in your community

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Birth to Five Child Development Associate (CDA) Class

If you’re looking to broaden your role in early childhood education, the Birth to Five CDA Credential is designed to help you build the skills to support children from birth through age five. This flexible credential prepares you to work with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in center-based settings, meeting the evolving needs of today’s early learning programs.

In this course, you’ll:
Gain the flexibility to work with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a single credential online childhood career training
Meet staffing needs while building skills across all early childhood age groups online childhood career training
Create a professional portfolio and demonstrate your skills through a verification visit online childhood career training
Expand your career opportunities in center-based early childhood programs

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Child Development Associate Renewal (CDA) Class

If you already hold a CDA credential and are ready to renew, this fully online course helps you maintain your certification and continue your work with confidence. Approved and licensed through the Dept. of Higher Education, this program is designed to refresh your knowledge, reinforce best practices, and keep you aligned with national standards.

In this course, you’ll:
Revisit core concepts in child development and developmentally appropriate practice
Reflect on your growth as an early childhood professional
Strengthen your understanding of your role and responsibilities
Renew your commitment to advocacy and high-quality care for young children
Prepare all necessary documentation to submit for your CDA renewal

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Steps to Your CDA Success

Your path to becoming a certified Child Development Associate starts here. Let’s break down the journey to certification.

Complete the Training

Enroll in our 120-hour online course, typically completed in 12 weeks, to build essential child development knowledge.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Complete 480 hours of practical experience in your focus area, applying what you’ve learned directly with children.

Take the National Exam

After completing your training and experience hours, take the CDA national exam to demonstrate your knowledge and readiness for certification.

Schedule Your Observation

Book an in-person or virtual observation with our CDA specialist to finalize your certification and confirm your readiness.

Completed Your CDA and Need an Observation?

If you’ve finished your CDA training and just need the required observation to finalize your credential, we can help. Schedule an observation with our certified CDA specialist and take the final step toward earning your credential.

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Are You a High Schooler Interested in Earning Your CDA?

Get a head start in child development by working toward your CDA while still in high school!

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Child Development Associate Career Paths

Head Teacher

Preschool or Daycare Head Teacher

Preschool teachers educate and care for children between the ages of three and five who have not yet entered kindergarten. They provide instruction in language, motor, and social skills to young children. Daycare teachers work daily with children of toddler age during the day. They must incorporate physical and mental awareness to assist the children with their daily activities, plan new activities and projects for them to do each day, and be mindful and aware of their safety at all times.

Teaching Assistant

Preschool or Daycare Teaching Assistant

The duties of a preschool teaching assistant may include documenting student performance and progression, preparing lessons and materials, and assisting teachers with classroom management. As an assistant daycare teacher your role is to help the head teacher in supervising the class and making sure the toddlers are safe and happy.

Nanny

In-home Childcare Provider

Being the nanny of a house usually involves taking care of children, keeping them safe and clean, planning meals for them as well as organizing creative and educational activities based on their age.

Tutor

In-Home Tutor

Some children need a little extra help. As a tutor with a child development associate certification, you will be able to visit homes and help children develop skills they need to enter kindergarten, putting them on a great path!

Your CDA Credential Is Within Reach

All-in-one access to CDA training, observation, and renewal. Work at your own pace with support every step of the way — 100% online and nationally recognized.

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