Note: The following information is provided courtesy of the Council for Professional Recognition.
Procedure for renewing the CDA Credential—a process to promote continued professional
development
1. Training Requirement
2. Renewal process
A CDA Credential is valid for three years from the award date, after which it may be renewed in five-year
increments. The purpose of the CDA renewal is to ensure that Child Development Associates are
maintaining current knowledge and skills in their work with young children and families.
1. Training Requirement
All CDA Renewal Candidates must meet the following five criteria:
- Documented proof of a current Red Cross or other agency First Aid Certificate.
- Documented proof of at least 4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or a three-credit-hour course
in early childhood education/child development, principles of adult learning, mental health
counseling, etc. These hours must be in addition to the original 120 clock hours required when the
Candidate obtained the CDA Credential. Bilingual CDA's must meet this requirement with
coursework incorporating bilingual issues.
- Documented proof of recent (within past year) work experience with young children or families of
young children (a minimum of 80 hours).
- A completed Letter of Recommendation Form regarding the CDA's competence with young children
prepared by an Early Childhood Education Professional.
- Documented proof (within current year) of membership in a national or local early childhood
professional organization. A list of national organizations is included in the renewal application
packet.
Renewal Catalog Summary of Renewal Courses
2. Renewal process
CDA Credentials are valid for three years from the date of the initial award, or five years from the date of
renewal. A CDA Credential may only be renewed for the original setting, age-level endorsement, and
specialization. The renewal process involves three steps:
- Purchase a Renewal Packet : A Renewal Packet may be purchased for $13 plus $5 shipping and
handling. The Renewal Packet applies to all four types of credentials—Center-based Preschool; Center-
based Infant/Toddler; Family Child Care Home; and Home Visitor. The Packet includes a Renewal
Procedures booklet, a booklet of materials for use by the Early Childhood Education Professional,
application form, recommendation form, and waiver request form.
- Compile required documentation as outlined in the five Renewal Criteria. Specific instructions are
provided in the Renewal Packet , including information relative to identifying an Early Childhood
Education Professional to prepare the recommendation form and subject areas for the required course
work.
- Mail all required documents to the Council including the application and the $50 renewal fee. Upon
receipt, Council staff will review the materials for completeness. If all materials are in order, the Council
will award the CDA Renewal Credential. If the materials are incomplete, the Council will notify the
Renewal Candidate who will be given the opportunity to resolve the problem within a specified time
period.
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