📢 CDA 2026 Updates: What Georgia Educators Should Know

If you work in #early-childhood-education in Georgia, the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential is a valuable milestone — often used by providers and programs to demonstrate #staff competence, fulfill hiring requirements, or support #career #growth. With the 2026 updates to the CDA credentialing process nationwide, it’s important for Georgia #educators and administrators to understand the changes, how they may affect staff, and what you can do to stay prepared.

Whether you’re a new caregiver, a #teacher, or a program director, this guide breaks down what’s new — and what remains the same — so you can plan proactively.

🌟 Why the CDA Still Matters in Georgia

Many #Georgia childcare centers and #preschools value or require the CDA as part of their staffing criteria.
For many providers, #CDA is a stepping stone toward more advanced credentials or career advancement.
Having qualified, credentialed staff helps meet regulatory and quality standards under Georgia licensing.
A streamlined and efficient CDA process supports staff recruitment and retention — critical in a high-demand childcare environment.

Because of these practical and professional reasons, staying informed about the CDA’s evolution is essential for Georgia’s #early-childhood workforce.

📘 What’s Changing with the CDA in 2026?

Two major updates are being introduced by the CDA Council: faster credentialing for some candidates, and a shift to digital portfolios. These changes are nationwide but directly relevant for Georgia educators seeking or renewing their credential.

✨ 1. Faster Credentialing Decisions for Some Candidates

Candidates who demonstrate strong competence on the CDA Exam may r #eceive their credentialing decision without needing a verification visit.
This provides a faster pathway — great for #teachers eager to start working in leadership or higher-qualified positions.
Importantly: standards stay the same. This update is about efficiency, not lowering expectations.

💻 2. Digital CDA Professional Portfolios

Instead of physical binders, candidates will now upload their CDA portfolio digitally (scans or photos) when applying.
This reduces paperwork, removes printing/binding barriers, and makes the process more accessible — especially beneficial for busy Georgia educators balancing work, family, and training.

These changes reflect a commitment to equity, accessibility, and modernization while preserving the rigor and integrity of the CDA credential.

✅ Who Will STILL Need a Verification Visit?

It’s crucial to emphasize: verification visits are not going away — they are simply being selectively reduced.

Candidates who do NOT meet the qualifying CDA Exam threshold will still complete the full credentialing process, including: Verification Visit, portfolio review by a PD Specialist, and evaluation.
All other CDA pathways — including those used by #home-based #daycare-providers (if applicable under your program’s model) — will follow the traditional process, including onsite observation and portfolio review.

This ensures that the CDA remains a high-quality, fairly evaluated credential — not an easy shortcut.

🧭 What This Means for Georgia Educators and Programs

For Teachers & Caregivers

You may be able to earn your CDA faster if you perform well on the exam.
Digital portfolios make submission easier.
You can advance your career, sometimes sooner — which can help with hiring, pay increases, or leadership roles.

For Program Directors & Administrators

Faster credentialing can help fill staffing needs more quickly.
Digital portfolios reduce administrative burden and make onboarding smoother.
You’ll still need to verify qualifications carefully — the verification visit remains in place where required.

For the Georgia ECE Community

Greater access to credentials may encourage more committed, qualified staff.
Modernized processes may reduce turnover and make credentialing more inclusive.
A strengthened workforce supports better outcomes for children and families across the state.

🧑‍🎓 How Georgia Educators Should Prepare Right Now

1. Take Advantage of Approved Training

Enroll in Georgia-approved CDA courses to build your competencies and prepare for the updated process.
👉 Training resources for Georgia educators:
https://www.childcareed.com/courses_in-GA-georgia.html

2. Build a Digital-Ready Portfolio Early

Scan or photograph required documents now:

Competency statements
Resource collection materials
Family questionnaires
Transcripts and certificates

Organize your files so uploading is quick and #stress- #free when applying.

3. Work With a CDA PD Specialist for Guidance

Having a PD Specialist® review your materials helps ensure readiness — especially under the new process. They can offer feedback before you submit your application.
👉 Learn how to find and work with a PD Specialist:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00647-how-to-find-and-work-with-a- #cda-pd-specialist-birth-to-five.html

4. Review Georgia-Specific Requirements & Pathways

Even with national updates, your center or program may have additional requirements tied to state licensing or local funding. Make sure you understand how CDA fits into your program’s credential structure.
👉 Georgia CDA guide:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/earning-your-cda-in-georgia-a-step-by-step-guide.html

📚 Resources for Georgia Educators

Georgia CDA Approved Training Courses — for building competencies and preparing for the exam.
https://www.childcareed.com/courses_in-GA-georgia.html
How to Work With a CDA PD Specialist — guidance on mentoring, portfolio reviews, and exam prep support.
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00647-how-to-find-and-work-with-a-cda-pd-specialist-birth-to-five.html
Step-by-Step Guide to Earning Your CDA in Georgia — overview of how CDA works within Georgia’s system, licensing, and professional #development landscape.
https://www.childcareed.com/a/earning-your-cda-in-georgia-a-step-by-step-guide.html