The CDA

A Child Development Associate (CDA) is an individual who has successfully completed the CDA assessment process and has been awarded the CDA Credential. CDAs are able to meet the specific needs of children and work with parents and other adults to nurture children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework.

There are several steps involved in the CDA credentialing process, including training, preparing for application, application, the Verification Visit, and the Credential Award.

There are various options for completing the training and preparation necessary for a CDA Credential. Some students choose to get their training through a community college. Green River Community College in Auburn, Washington, offers a CDA credentialing program.

• Go to the Green River Community College CDA program link below, and review the information about their CDA program.

• Go to the Council for Professional Recognition site below. This council was created to improve the professional status of early childhood care providers, and currently awards the CDA Credential.

• Review the Candidate Performance Overview. In the above link, you will see a listing of all 13 of the CDA Functional Areas.