🏙️Buckeye Beginnings: How to Earn Your CDA in Ohio and Launch Your Early Childhood Career🍎

Training for Child Care Providers

CDA Certification

If you're passionate about helping children grow, learn, and explore the world, becoming a Child Development Associate (CDA) in Ohio is the perfect way to start your journey in #early-childhood-education. Whether you're in Columbus, Cleveland, or a small town along the Ohio River, the CDA credential opens doors to meaningful roles in #preschools, Head Start programs, child care centers, and beyond.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to earning your CDA in Ohio—with support from cdacertification.com every step of the way.

🧠 What is a CDA and Why is it Important in Ohio?

The CDA credential, awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, is a nationally recognized certification that shows you have the knowledge and practical skills to support the #development of children from birth to age 5.

In Ohio, the CDA is widely accepted and often required for:

Lead teaching positions in licensed child care centers
Head Start and Early Head Start programs
Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) rated providers
Public pre-K support roles

Plus, CDA training aligns with Ohio’s ongoing commitment to high-quality #early-childhood education and workforce development.

📋 Step 1: Choose Your CDA Setting

Before you begin your training, select the setting that best matches your #career goals:

Not sure which one fits? The experts at cdacertification.com can help you decide and enroll in the right program.

📚 Step 2: Complete 120 Hours of Formal Education

The Council requires 120 hours of formal training covering eight subject areas, from #safety and #health to building family relationships and child development principles.

➡️ You can complete this requirement through flexible online CDA training courses at cdacertification.com.

🔗 Recommended Courses:

These programs are:

Self-paced – study when it works for you
Fully online – no commuting or in-person classes required
Affordable – designed to fit within your budget

Whether you’re working full-time or just starting out, our courses give you the flexibility to succeed.

🧸 Step 3: Gain 480 Hours of Work Experience

You must complete 480 hours of work experience with children in your chosen age group within the past 3 years.

Luckily, many child care centers in Ohio allow you to earn hours while training, and some employers may even reimburse your CDA training as part of their SUTQ quality improvement plans.

🗂️ Step 4: Build Your CDA Professional Portfolio

As part of your application, you’ll compile a portfolio that includes:

Sample #lesson-plans
Resource collections
Family communications
Reflections on your teaching

This may sound intimidating, but cdacertification.com offers helpful tips and templates to make your portfolio shine.

📝 Step 5: Apply, Test, and Get Observed

Once you’ve finished training and portfolio prep:

Submit your CDA application through the Council’s online portal.
Schedule your observation visit with a Professional Development Specialist.
Take your CDA Exam at a local Pearson VUE testing center (available across Ohio cities like Akron, Cincinnati, and Toledo).

🎉 Step 6: Celebrate and Start Teaching!

When you pass your exam and complete your verification visit, you’ll officially be a CDA!

Use your credential to:

Apply for #lead #teacher or assistant teacher roles
Join SUTQ-rated programs
Continue toward an associate or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Your CDA is valid for 3 years and can be renewed—so you can keep growing in your career.

🌟 Start Your CDA Journey Today with cdacertification.com

No matter where you live in Ohio, cdacertification.com is your one-stop shop for affordable, online, and flexible CDA training. With expert support, streamlined resources, and self-paced learning, you can earn your credential and start changing lives—starting with your own.

🎓 Explore CDA Courses Now