For #early-childhood- #educators across Illinois, the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential continues to be one of the most accessible and impactful pathways to professional advancement. Whether you work in a DCFS-licensed childcare center, family childcare #home, Head Start, or #preschool program, holding a CDA can open doors to higher-paying roles, increased responsibility, and alignment with Illinois’ workforce qualification standards.

Beginning in February 2026, the Council for Professional Recognition is updating key steps in the CDA credentialing process. These updates are designed to speed up decisions for some candidates, improve accessibility, and modernize documentation — without changing #CDA standards in any way.

This guide breaks down the updates clearly so Illinois educators and directors can understand what’s changing, what will remain the same, and how to prepare. 

🌟 Why the CDA Matters for Illinois Educators

Across #Illinois, many educators earn the CDA to:

• Meet DCFS staff qualification requirements

• Strengthen their professional #development plans

• Work toward Gateways to Opportunity credentials

• Increase employability and job stability

• Access higher roles within licensed childcare programs

Because the CDA plays such a central role in Illinois’ #early-childhood workforce, understanding the 2026 changes ensures smooth planning for both staff and administrators.

📝 What’s Changing in 2026?

1. Faster CDA Credentialing Decisions for Some Candidates

The Council will now offer expedited decisions for candidates who demonstrate strong competence on the CDA exam.

• Some candidates may no longer need a verification visit if exam results show strong competence.

• Standards remain exactly the same — this update improves efficiency, not difficulty.

This change helps reduce delays in the credentialing timeline, which is particularly beneficial for Illinois programs experiencing staffing shortages.

2. Digital CDA Professional Portfolios

Candidates will now upload scanned or photographed documents directly into their CDA application.

This update:

• Removes the need for bulky paper binders

• Improves accessibility for educators who travel, work multiple jobs, or have limited printing options

• Speeds up the PD Specialist review process

This digital shift is focused on convenience and equity, not changing the required content.

🔍 Who Will STILL Have a Verification Visit?

It is crucial to communicate clearly that verification visits are not eliminated — only reduced for certain candidates.

Verification visits will still be required for:

✔ Candidates who do NOT meet the qualifying exam level

These educators will complete the full CDA process, including:

• Verification visit

• PD Specialist review

• Portfolio assessment

A credentialing decision will only be made after these steps are completed.

✔ All Home Visitor CDA Candidates

The Home Visitor CDA pathway remains fully unchanged.

• Home Visitor candidates will continue to have an onsite portfolio review.

• A PD Specialist will conduct the verification visit as usual.

• This update does NOT apply to the Home Visitor setting.

This is essential to clarify so that Illinois home-based programs, Early Head Start home visitors, and family support staff understand their requirements remain consistent.

⚖️ Important Messaging Notes (Must Follow for Accuracy)

To ensure clarity and transparency, keep these guidelines in mind:

🔹 Some candidates may no longer need a verification visit — but only if they show strong exam competence.

🔹 Standards stay the same. The CDA is NOT becoming easier to earn.

🔹 Avoid suggesting verification visits are ending — they are simply reduced for some candidates.

🔹 Highlight the digital portfolio as a convenience, not a reduction in rigor.

🔹 Keep equity language strong: emphasize fairness, consistency, and objective evaluation.

🔹 Do NOT apply these changes to the Home Visitor CDA — that pathway remains unchanged.

🧭 How Illinois Educators Can Prepare

1. Start CDA Training Early

Illinois-approved coursework helps candidates build required competencies and prepare for the exam under the new system.
👉 https://www.childcareed.com/courses_in-IL-illinois.html

2. Begin Creating a Digital Portfolio

Scan or photograph:

• Competency statements

• Resource collection materials

• Family questionnaires

• Certificates and transcripts

Organize everything into labeled folders to simplify the upload process.

3. Connect With a CDA PD Specialist

A PD Specialist can provide:

• Guidance on documentation

• Practice for exam readiness

• Support understanding the new verification rules

👉 https://www.childcareed.com/r-00647-how-to-find-and-work-with-a- #cda-pd-specialist-birth-to-five.html

4. Review Illinois-Specific CDA Requirements

Illinois has its own considerations related to licensing, Gateways to Opportunity, and DCFS rules.
👉 https://www.childcareed.com/a/illinois-cda-requirement.html

🏫 What Illinois Directors Need to Know

Program administrators should:

• Prepare staff for the digital portfolio requirement

• Avoid telling staff the verification visit is “gone” — it is not

• Help educators understand the exam’s increased importance

• Support staff in accessing training and PD Specialists

• Adjust internal timelines to reflect faster credential decisions for some candidates

These changes may help fill staffing gaps more quickly, especially in high-need regions of Illinois.

📚 Helpful Resources

📘 Illinois CDA Training

State-approved training for CDA preparation.
👉 https://www.childcareed.com/courses_in-IL-illinois.html

🧑‍🏫 Working With a CDA PD Specialist

How to choose and collaborate with a PD Specialist.
👉 https://www.childcareed.com/r-00647-how-to-find-and-work-with-a-cda-pd-specialist-birth-to-five.html

📝 Illinois CDA Requirements Overview

State-specific guidance for Illinois candidates.
👉 https://www.childcareed.com/a/illinois-cda-requirement.html