Childcare Licensing Glossary
CDA Credential (Child Development Associate)
A nationally recognized early-childhood credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, often required for lead teachers in licensed centers.
Last updated: June 2026
Compiled by the TotReady Research TeamDefinition
The Child Development Associate credential is issued by the Council for Professional Recognition after a candidate completes 480 hours of work with children in a group setting, 120 hours of formal early childhood education training, and a portfolio and professional review. It is the most widely held entry-level credential in early childhood education in the United States. Many states accept a CDA as meeting the educational requirement for lead teacher or family child care provider roles. Some states require it for specific positions; others use it as a salary-scale benchmark. CDA credentials expire after three years and must be renewed.
Related terms
Director Qualifications
The education, credential, and experience requirements a person must meet to serve as the director of a licensed childcare center.
Pre-Service Training
Training that childcare workers must complete before — or within a short window after — they begin working with children unsupervised.
Annual Training Hours
The number of professional-development hours a childcare worker must complete each calendar year to maintain their license.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CDA Credential (Child Development Associate) in childcare licensing?
- A nationally recognized early-childhood credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, often required for lead teachers in licensed centers.
- Does CDA Credential (Child Development Associate) vary by state?
- The general definition is consistent, but the specific requirements attached to CDA Credential (Child Development Associate) can differ by state. Always confirm current rules with your state's childcare licensing office.
- Where can I find the CDA Credential (Child Development Associate) rules for my state?
- Your state's childcare licensing agency publishes the current rules in its administrative code or licensing regulations. TotReady's state pages at /states cover key licensing topics by state, and the /data section has cited 50-state tables for ratios, training hours, capacity limits, fees, and exemption thresholds.