Earning Your CDA Credential Has Never Been Easier!

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.

What does this mean for you?
1. Advance your career – this added level of education could open doors and take you to the next step in your career path! Many jobs are requiring advanced education so you’ll be one step ahead! You may also be eligible to receive college credits by earning your CDA.

2. Earn more money – who wouldn’t like to earn more money? With additional career opportunities, your earning power will continue to grow!

3. Gain more confidence – knowing more about the early learning field can certainly help make you feel more confident working with children as well as speaking with parents, which can help put parents’ minds at ease too!

4. Increase your knowledge – in such a broad and complex field, the learning never stops, from developmentally appropriate practice to good nutrition. And what could be more important than teaching tomorrow’s leaders!

5. Great pricing from Empowered – there’s never been a better time to start your CDA! For a limited time, Empowered is offering special pricing of just $999 for the full 120-hour initial CDA package. Or, if you’ve already earned your CDA and need to renew, our 45-hour package is only $149! We also offer a support package that provides a personal mentor to guide you step-by-step through the process.

Many teachers find that having earned their CDA actually makes them a better teacher.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!

“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.”Attaining your CDA is just the beginning of your educational journey. It is the first step on the road to acquiring further education and degrees in the field. The acquisition of a CDA shows that you are an early childhood professional. You are someone who places importance on acquiring current knowledge and skills in your work with young children and families. An administrator preparing to hire staff will look for this credential as a sign of professionalism. The credential illustrates a certain level of knowledge acquired to work with young children. It also helps you to meet current State and National requirements.

Steps to earning your CDA:

PREPARATION TIME (Our course helps your through this process)
120 clock hours of training through Empowered! CDA Training Academy
480 professional work experience with young children
Professional Portfolio assistance will be received through our course

APPLY (Online CDA application)
Anytime of the year
Identify a CDA Professional Development Specialist
$425 Assessment Fee (Scholarships Available)
Application review and approval
Ready to Schedule Notice delivery to the Candidate with a six-months assessment deadline

DEMONSTRATE
Verification Visit with a CDA Professional Development Specialist
Review of documents prepared in step 1 above
Observation of Candidate in the classroom
Reflective dialogue
CDA Exam at a Pearson Vue test center
Both completed in any sequence but before a six-month deadline

EARN
Scores electronically submitted to the Council by PD Specialist and Pearson Vue
Credentialing decision