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What is the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential?

While not a college credential, the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is an entry-level credential that is widely recognized in the industry, issued by the Council for Professional Recognition.

Earning the CDA credential is a three-step process that requires:

  • 120 clock hours of CDA training covering 8 subject areas
  • Experience in the classroom and compiling a portfolio
  • CDA Exam and verification visit by a Professional Development Specialist (PDS)

The CDA credential must be renewed every three years. Click here to visit the Council for Professional Recognition’s website for complete information.

Several technical colleges provide programs that allow for the transfer of CDA training into college credits, although the specific rules vary among institutions. To obtain more information on this opportunity, it is recommended to contact the early childhood education department at the technical college of your preference.

I’ve completed my CDA training. How do I apply for my CDA credential?

Congratulations on completing your CDA training!

The next step is to create an account on YourCouncil to apply for your CDA credential. YourCouncil has all of the information you need to learn how to compile your CDA portfolio, select your PD specialist, choose an observation date, and choose your exam date. DECAL Scholars offers a CDA Application Fee Scholarship to cover the cost of the exam and verification visit. Learn more about the Application Fee Scholarship here.

Which supporting document formats will DECAL Scholars accept?

It is important that you send all supporting documents at the time of completing your application to avoid any delays in processing.

DECAL Scholars accepts legible PDFs, screenshots, photo copies, scans, and photos (only in JPG format, not HEIC). Please do not send documents as links.

I’m overwhelmed by all the steps to receive my CDA credential. Are there resources available to help?

The CDA Council awards the CDA credential. Therefore, they are the first and best source for all of your questions about the credential itself. Visit their website, contact them by phone at (800) 424-4310 or email at cdafeedback@cdacouncil.org.

Our team has created this helpful “10 Steps to Earn Your CDA” infographic in both English and Spanish that can help you understand the timeline of earning your credential with support from DECAL Scholars. Plus, there are helpful contacts and FAQs on the back.

Click here to download the English Guide

Click here to download the Spanish Guide.

I didn’t use DECAL Scholars when I originally paid for my CDA training. Can I submit my receipt for reimbursement?

Yes, you can submit your receipt for reimbursement, provided you submit your complete application with all supporting documents within 6 months of the date you paid for the CDA training. To be reimbursed, you must include your receipt as proof of payment in place of the CDA trainer’s invoice.

Please note that your DECAL Scholars CDA Training Scholarship application cannot be submitted after you’ve already submitted your DECAL Scholars CDA Application Fee Scholarship application.

Where can I find an approved CDA trainer?

Find a Georgia-approved CDA trainer eligible for our CDA Training Scholarships on the Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS) for Early Childhood Educators. You can even search for a trainer based on their training format (face-to-face, online, or hybrid), or based on the language they offer their training in. Make sure you check the box for CDA Training in the search criteria.

Click here to visit their website and find your trainer.

How do I find out more information and apply for financial aid?

Our team put together this helpful document outlining the financial aid requirements and deadlines that DECAL Scholars Scholarships applicants need to know. This document can be downloaded here.

More information about HOPE specifically can be found on the Georgia Futures website, which is also where you can create an account to track your eligibility for this program.

We recommend reaching out directly to the financial aid office at your college/university or contacting FAFSA directly with detailed questions about your financial aid.

What is a Montessori Program Credential?

The Montessori Program Credential is a certification awarded by an eligible MACTE-accredited training program. MACTE-accredited programs that meet the requirements for our Scholarships program are listed as follows: Covered Bridge Creativity Inc (CBCInc Training), Montessori Teacher Education Institute of Atlanta and Grace Montessori Teacher Education. The credential is recognized by Montessori schools and is valuable for a teacher that is working or desires to work at a Montessori school.

Learn more about Montessori Program Credential Scholarships here.