Your Time to Shine

Working Toward the National Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in Minnesota

The Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral community is proud to offer a system of support for child care professionals working toward their National Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Whether you are looking for online training toward your credential, help funding your credential work or the support of a CDA advisor, we are here to help!

CDA Training Tracking Form (Microsoft Word; PDF)

Links to sections of this page:

Related pages on this site:

“My CDA has already opened so many more doors for me to move forward, its amazing. Thanks so much for the wonderful support!”
—Erin Underbakke
   Family child care provider

CDA candidates receive a deal on their MNAEYC membership! For questions on applying for MNAEYC membership contact Brian Wray.

About the National Child Development Associate Credential

A National CDA (Child Development Associate) is a credential issued by the Council for
Professional Recognition.

Eligibility requirements for a National CDA

Applicant must:

For more information on the CDA, including application materials, go to www.cdacouncil.org.

Benefits of earning a National CDA

This nationally respected credential offers valuable knowledge on meeting the needs of children. Child care professionals who earn their National CDA credential receive increased professional recognition—find your time to shine!

Other benefits include:

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CDA Training Online

Eager-to-Learn offers online classes for people who care for children. Child care professionals can meet their 120-hour National Child Development Associate (CDA) training requirements through Eager-to-Learn. Students receive the training requirements in one year for approximately half the price of traditional CDA training. The Eager-to-Learn CDA cohort
program offers a comprehensive base of knowledge and skills focused on meeting the needs of the whole child.

For more information and a complete course listing, call 651-746-4025 or visit eagertolearn.org.

The Child Care Resource & Referral community is proud to offer training throughout the state.
Some trainings offered through the CCR&R system are relevant to and can contribute to progress toward a CDA.

Connections to a CDA Advisor

The Minnesota CDA Support Project CDA candidates may apply for financial support of up to $300 to pay for the services of a qualified CDA advisor. For more information and an application, call 651-290-9704, ext. 108 or send e-mail to lindam@mnchildcare.org.

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Support in Paying for CDA Training for College Credits and the CDA Assessment Fee

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MINNESOTA is a scholarship program intended to provide
opportunities for early childhood and school-age child care professionals interested in increasing their levels of education, compensation and commitment to the field. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MINNESOTA scholarship dollars may be used toward CDA-related
coursework at partner colleges offering CDA programs.

T.E.A.C.H. scholarship dollars may also be used for CDA preparation work including the assessment fee.*

For more information or to apply, is it the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MINNESOTA part of our web site or call 866-807-6021.

* Qualified T.E.A.C.H. recipients receive support for 85 percent of their CDA assessment fee.

CDA Resources

Early Childhood CDA Help: Questions and answers on the CDA process

Better Kid Care: Free distance education modules to help complete your CDA

cda book

The CDA Prep Guide: The Complete Review Manual for the Child Development Associate Credential: A step by step guide to obtaining your CDA

 


Council for Professional Recognition: Home of the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program

The Minnesota Center for Professional Development’s Registry: Finding your CDA advisor.

CDA—Terminology—Renewing—Steps

 

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