Child Development Associate Credential Program (AC)

The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program is intended for individuals preparing to work in early care and education settings who wish to gain further knowledge and expertise in the field. The CDA Credential is the minimum educational standard required for employment in Head Start/Early Head Start and accredited early childhood programs. Ten credits of coursework provides the theoretical and practical framework for establishing appropriate program practices for young children and families.

NIC's Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate of Completion verifies that the student has completed the specified 120 hours of required coursework for the CDA Credential. After completing these courses students who are at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and with at least 480 documented hours of direct work with young children in an early childhood program, will be ready to apply for their Child Development Associate Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition. Credits earned for college coursework completed while pursuing a Child Development Associate Academic Certificate articulate directly into the NIC Child Development Academic Certificate and the Associate of Science degree.

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. The CDA Credential is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children.

The Council for Professional Recognition works to ensure that the nationally-transferable CDA is a credible and valid credential, recognized by the early childhood profession as a vital part of professional development. The CDA credential is a recognized professional level of the Idaho Early Childhood Pathway of Professional Development.