Child Care and Early Childhood Credentials and Certifications

Child Care Provider

Financial Assistance & Scholarships Opening a Child Care Business Professional Development

Early childhood credentials and certifications

Early childhood credentials and certifications can help you learn more about targeted areas within the the early childhood education field. When you have a credential or certificate, current or potential employers see you as dedicated to growing in your career. Licensing and Paths to QUALITY may also accept or require certain credentials to participate.

Child Development Associate credential

Getting your CDA

A CDA is the most recognized credential within the early childhood field. In some child care types, CDAs or their equivalents are required for licensing.

The process for obtaining your CDA includes these components. Visit the CDA Council’s website for more specifics.

120 clock hours of formal training in specific areas. Indiana AEYC’s T.E.A.C.H. program is a good place to start for face-to-face CDA classes. You may also choose to take classes online or complete an independent study.
A portfolio
Family questionnaires
A verification visit
An online exam

Featured Resource

Online CDA Resources

Get the lowdown on a number of options where you can take CDA courses from home.

Renewing or Updating your Expired CDA

All CDA credentials are valid for three years from the date of the award. Keep all documentation for trainings and other professional development from the date you earned your credential. We suggest you start the process of renewing with the CDA Council about six months before your credential expires.

Information to

Renew Your CDA

The CDA Council website includes renewal guides, forms, and checklists appropriate for your individual child care setting. You can also apply for your renewal directly on their website.

Learn More

Support for

Expired CDAs

If your CDA lapses, you must update your portfolio and reapply for the verification visit and online exam. Your 120 education hours do not expire. Our program engagement team can guide you through the process. Contacta en Español

Information on

Scholarships for Renewals

If you currently work 30 or more hours per week in a licensed home/center or registered ministry, you might qualify for a T.E.A.C.H. renewal scholarship that pays 90% of the cost.

Scholarship Application

CDA Equivalents

Credentials accepted by Paths to QUALITY

To be eligible to participate in Paths to QUALITY, certain staff must have obtained a CDA, a CDA-equivilant crediential, or higher. Different program types have different requirements:

Homes – Lead caregivers must meet requirement

Centers – 25% of Level 2 center staff and 50% of Level 3 center staff must meet requirement

VCP Ministries – Director, Level 2 program staff, and 50% of Level 3 program staff must meet requirement

CDA-equivalent credentials include:

Certified Childcare Professional (CCP)
Child and Youth Care (CYC) Worker Certification
Montessori Certificate
Aim4Excellence National Director Credential
If a professional has completed 12 college credit hours in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Early Intervention education, this also qualifies as a CDA equivalent

Scholarship Opportunities Available

Indiana AEYC's T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program is available to child care professionals who meet certain criteria.

T.E.A.C.H. Details

Child Care Credentials and Certifications

Early childhood credentials and certifications

Getting your CDA

Online CDA Resources

Renewing or Updating your Expired CDA

Renew Your CDA

Expired CDAs

Scholarships for Renewals

Credentials accepted by Paths to QUALITY

Scholarship Opportunities Available

Early care and education news to your inbox

What are you looking for?