✨How Many Hours Does It Take to Earn a CDA? - post

Training for Child Care Providers

CDA Certification

✨How Many Hours Does It Take to Earn a CDA?

image in article ✨How Many Hours Does It Take to Earn a CDA?✨How Many Hours Does It Take to Earn a CDA?

⏱️ What’s the Required Training Time?

To earn your CDA Credential, you need 120 hours of formal education in #early-childhood education. These hours must cover the eight CDA subject areas and be distributed across core competency areas, ensuring a well-rounded preparation.

This requirement ensures #educators are exposed to a breadth of knowledge—from #health-and- #safety to communication and curriculum design.

📌 Why 120 Hours?

The Council for Professional Recognition, which administers the CDA Credential, established this requirement to maintain consistent quality and rigor across the country. By requiring this benchmark, the Council ensures that educators are adequately prepared to provide safe, nurturing, and #developmentally-appropriate care.

🧮 How Are Hours Broken Down?

Typically, training is distributed as follows:

  • Child Growth and Development – 20 hours

  • Health, Safety, Nutrition – #10 hours

  • Family & Community Engagement – 10 hours

  • Learning Environments – 20 hours

  • Curriculum and Teaching Strategies – 20 hours

  • Observing & Assessing – 10 hours

  • Professionalism – 10 hours

  • Diversity & Inclusion – 20 hours

This ensures you build balanced expertise.

🎯 What About Work Experience Hours?

In addition to training, CDA candidates need 480 hours of work experience with young children within the past three years. These hours validate your hands-on experience, allowing you to apply coursework in real-life settings.

🛠️ How Can You Track Your Hours?

Keep organized records. Many training providers give transcripts or completion certificates showing hours by competency area. Maintaining these documents makes it easy when you’re ready to apply.

🌱 How Do Training Hours Fit Into Your Career Growth?

Training hours are not just a requirement—they are a #growth opportunity. Every hour builds confidence, new skills, and better teaching practices.

For flexible programs that help you meet these hours, explore:

💡 Final Thoughts

While 120 hours may sound like a lot, each hour is an investment in your skills and in the children you teach. With online and flexible training options, you can meet this requirement at your own pace.

👉 Follow ChildCareED on social media for inspiration and updates as you complete your CDA journey

 

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