Convenient, Affordable & Comprehensive
All CDA Training
Our program provides the 120 hours of training, in English and Spanish, in the 8 subject areas needed to fulfill CDA requirements.
Anytime, Anywhere Learning
Available on demand, our CDA courses come in a variety of flexible formats—from asynchronous to synchronous, from microlearning to multi-day options.
Powerful Learning Community
We give teachers exclusive access to subject matter experts, coaches, and a community of more than 70,000 fellow early childhood educators.
College Credit
Our CDA courses are eligible for college credit, helping to build a foundation of success for teachers.
Affordable
Educators can save hundreds on CDA training through our program.
CDA Course, Path & Tracker
Our dedicated CDA planning course, learning path, and tracker streamlines teachers’ CDA journey while helping them build their portfolios.
Child Development Associate FAQs
Administered by the Council for Professional Recognition, the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a widely recognized credential in early childhood education. It is designed to demonstrate a teacher’s expertise and professionalism in working with young children.
Earning the CDA can provide teachers with increased job opportunities, higher pay, and enhanced credibility among parents and employers.
We offer CDA training through our Professional Development Teacher Membership. Teachers who want to complete their CDA training through us should share the information on this page with their administrator, who can then purchase the Professional Development Teacher Membership.
Many colleges and universities award academic credit for an active CDA Credential. Explore the Council for Professional Recognition’s state-by-state guide to find participating schools and opportunities in your state. Find Colleges in Your State
No. Only administrators are eligible to purchase the Professional Development Teacher Membership for teachers.
Providing a flexible path to the CDA helps programs recruit and retain teachers supporting their career progression.
Yes. Teaching Strategies’ CDA training is available in both English and Spanish, covering all 120 required training hours in either language.
Teaching Strategies’ CDA training provides 120 hours of professional education across all eight subject areas required for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, including child development, health and safety, family relationships, program management, and professionalism.
Yes. Teaching Strategies provides a dedicated CDA planning course, a learning path, and a progress tracker to help teachers stay organized and build their CDA portfolio as they go.
No. The CDA Credential itself is administered and issued by the Council for Professional Recognition, not Teaching Strategies. Teaching Strategies provides the required training hours and support materials; teachers still apply for and earn the credential directly through the Council.
Teaching Strategies’ CDA training includes 120 hours of self-paced online learning, allowing educators to complete the coursework on their own schedule. Completion time varies based on each educator’s pace and availability.
Yes. Both the Teacher Membership and the Coach Membership include the full 120 hours of CDA training required for the credential — administrators can choose either membership based on whether the educator is a classroom teacher or a coach, and CDA training is included either way.
The Council for Professional Recognition appreciates the high-quality online CDA training that Teaching Strategies provides, which has allowed educators to successfully earn their CDA.
Dr. Calvin Moore
CEO, Council for Professional Recognition
Providing a path to the CDA credential helps us recruit and retain teachers. Completing CDA training through the Teacher Membership from Teaching Strategies removes obstacles for our teachers and better meets their needs and fits their lifestyles.
Aleisha Sheridan
President & CEO, Building Blocks
Get Started on the Path to the CDA
Talk to the Teaching Strategies Team today to learn how you can get started on the journey to earning your CDA with the Teacher Membership
