CDA

CDA Pathway Program

Are you passionate about nurturing the growth and development of young children? Whether you're taking your very first steps into the fulfilling field of early childhood education or you're an experienced caregiver looking to elevate your skills and gain national recognition, our CDA Pathway Program is designed to equip you with the essential tools, knowledge, and support you need to confidently earn your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. 


The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a widely recognized certification in early childhood education, awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, demonstrating competence in delivering high-quality education and care to young children from birth to age five.


By achieving your CDA credential, you'll not only unlock exciting career opportunities and potentially increase your earning potential, but you'll also become a more confident and effective advocate for the children in your care. You'll gain a deeper understanding of child development, learning theories, and effective strategies for creating safe, healthy, and stimulating environments. Join us and become a vital force in making a meaningful and lasting impact that ripples throughout your community for years to come. Empower young minds and your career with our CDA Pathway Program.

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Unlock Your Potential in Early Childhood Education

A CDA credential is a nationally recognized stepping stone that can open doors to a rewarding career working with young children in various settings, including preschools, Head Start programs, and family child care centers.


Advance Your Career and Earning Potential

While passion is key, the CDA demonstrates your commitment and expertise, often leading to increased responsibilities and higher salaries in the early childhood field.

Meet Licensing Requirements

Many early childhood programs require or prioritize staff with CDA credentials, making it a valuable asset for employment and program quality.

Build a Solid Foundation for Further Education

The CDA provides a strong base of knowledge and experience that can be a valuable stepping stone towards further degrees and specialized certifications in early childhood education.

200,000+

CDA credential holders in the United States alone

15%

Increase in preschool teacher employment is expected by 2031

80%

Of employers value those with a CDA over those without one

20%

Average wage increase for those who have a CDA credential

Program Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age

Must have a valid high school diploma or GED

Must be able to read, write, and speak in the language you intend to use in your future childhood education setting.

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanenent resident.

Program Details

New class every start of the month. Once the program begins, registration for that class is closed.

The program is four weeks long.

Program sessions are done virtually every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, for four weeks.

Program cost: $500

The CDA Pathway Program is designed to help you save time so that you can obtain your CDA as soon as possible. There will also be an opportunity to meet your instructor in-person for help on certain CDA requirements. Your instructor will be by your side and your source of guidance for the entirety of the program and until you receive your CDA credential, up to a maximum of 12 weeks from the day the program begins. The program itself is 4 weeks long, however there are certain requirements that may take longer than 4 weeks to complete. The purpose of the instructor will be to guide you through the fine details of obtaining your CDA, making this sometimes difficult task as easy as possible.


Let's understand exactly what is required to obtain a CDA, and how the CDA Pathway Program will help you towards these requirements.


What the CDA requires.

What this program offers.


1

120 hours

of training

Half of these will be awarded to you for attending the sessions. The other half will be done online during non-session hours.

2

Professional

Portfolio

Your instructor will work with you closely to help you create an outstanding portfolio that will pass all expectations. The professional portfolio is required for a PD Specialist observation.

3

480 hours

of experience

You must gain your 480 hours of work experience on your own time and within three years of applying for the CDA. Your program instructor will assist you in finding a quality center to work at.

4

CDA

Application

The Your instructor will assist you in applying for the CDA via the online application ($425). 

5

PDA Specialist

Observation

After the CDA application is submitted, a PDA Specialist will schedule a time to come and observe you at the center in which you work. Your program instructor will help prepare you for the PDA Specialist's observation.

6

CDA

Examination

Your program instructor will prepare you for the 65-question CDA Examination which will need to be conducted at a testing center. The instructor will also help you in scheduling the exam for you if needed.