CDA Certification: Frequently Asked Questions

Training for Child Care Providers

CDA Certification

Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle

$90

Are you currently working in an Alabama child care center and looking to meet your 12-hour annual training requirement? Then you’re ready for this all-in-one annual training bundle!

Our Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle offers a streamlined way to complete your yearly in-service training as required by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. This bundle includes interactive courses in health and safety, child development, positive guidance, emergency preparedness, language development, and more.

Stay compliant, build your professional knowledge, and maintain your eligibility to work in licensed child care programs across Alabama—all at your own pace.

✅ Fulfills the 12-hour annual in-service training requirement for center-based child care workers
✅ Approved for Alabama DHR compliance
✅ Ideal for renewing licenses and maintaining employment in regulated child care centers

Healthy Habits from the Start
Language Development in Early Childhood
Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
Stay Alert! Steps to Emergency Prep Online Version
Viewing Guidance in a Positive Light

Alabama 20- Hour Annual Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Home Licensee

$150

Are you an Alabama family or group day care home licensee looking to fulfill your 20-hour annual training requirement? Then you're ready for this comprehensive, home-provider-focused training bundle!

This Alabama Licensee Annual Training Bundle is tailored exclusively for licensed providers operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 20 clock hours of annual training required by the Alabama DHR and covers all six mandated training areas. Whether you're renewing your license, preparing for inspection, or enhancing the quality of care in your home program, this bundle ensures you're in full compliance and growing professionally.

🎯 What’s Included in This Bundle:

✅ Child Development
✅ Health and Safety
✅ Positive Guidance & Discipline
✅ Language and Literacy Development
✅ Family Communication

✅ Why Choose This Bundle?

Aligned with Alabama DHR Family and Group Day Care Home Licensing Standards
Designed specifically for home-based child care providers
Flexible, online, self-paced access

You're Not My Friend Anymore: Learning Conflict Resolution
Working Together: Teachers & Preschoolers
The Right Kind of Influence for Young Children
Supporting Little Hearts: Divorce and Separation in the Child Care Setting
Supporting Families and Caregivers in Language and Literacy
Play, Learn, Grow Online Version
Nutrition Essentials for Child Care Providers
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education
Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners
Building a Community of Families

Alabama 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Homes

$185

Are you planning to open a licensed family or group day care home in Alabama? Do you need to complete your 24 hours of preservice training? Then you’re ready for this specialized training bundle!

This Alabama Family/Group Day Care Homes 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle is tailored for prospective licensees operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 24-hour preservice training requirement set by Alabama DHR and includes focused modules on child development, universal precautions, nutrition, licensing regulations, and family communication.

Whether you’re preparing to launch your own in-home child care business or updating your credentials, this training will guide you through every essential topic to ensure a successful and compliant start.

✅ Satisfies the Alabama DHR 24-hour preservice training requirement for new licensees
✅ Covers all six required training areas
✅ Perfect for new child care entrepreneurs and home-based provider.

Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
Administering Basic Health and Safety ONLINE
Community and Family Engagement in Childcare
Language Development in Early Childhood
Staying Positive: Guidance for Preschoolers
DAP for Family Child Care
Business Planning: Family Child Care
Let’s Talk: Effective Communication
A Watchful Eye: Supervision in Early Childhood
Baby Play: Planning Infant and Toddler Activities

image in article CDA Certification: Frequently Asked Questions People often have several common questions about the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential when considering pursuing it or understanding its benefits. Here are some of the key things people typically want to know:

What is the CDA Credential?

The CDA is a nationally recognized credential in #early-childhood education. It demonstrates that a child care provider has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work effectively with young children and their families.

What are the benefits of earning a CDA?

Job opportunities: A CDA credential can improve your chances of getting hired or promoted in #early-childhood-education settings such as #preschools, #daycare-centers, and Head Start programs.
Career advancement: It opens up #leadership roles and higher-paying positions.
Professional #growth: It showcases your commitment to quality child care and ongoing professional #development.
Improving child care skills: The CDA helps develop core competencies in early childhood education, child development, and #safety.

Who needs a CDA Credential?

People who want to work in early childhood education, including:

Preschool #teachers
Child care providers (center-based and family child care)
Head Start teachers
Early childhood #educators looking to advance their skills

What are the requirements for earning a CDA?

To earn the CDA credential, you must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training.
Complete 480 hours of professional work experience with children within the past three years.
Prepare a professional portfolio that includes competency statements and resource materials.
Pass an exam and be observed in a real-life child care setting by a CDA professional development specialist.

How long does it take to get the CDA?

It typically takes 6 months to a year to complete the required coursework, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for the exam and observation.

How much does the CDA cost?

The CDA application fee is around $425 (as of 2024) for online applications. Additional costs include training, coursework materials, and renewal fees.

Is the CDA credential recognized in all states?

Yes, the CDA credential is recognized across the United States, making it a valuable credential for #early-childhood-educators in any state.

What settings can I get my CDA in?

You can earn your CDA in the following settings:

Infant and Toddler (working with children aged 0-3)
Preschool (working with children aged 3-5)
Family Child Care (working in #home-based settings)
Home Visitor (working with families through home visits)

What is the process to renew a CDA?

The CDA must be renewed every 3 years. Renewal requires continuing education, verification of professional work experience, and additional professional development.

Where can I take CDA training?

CDA training can be completed online through accredited programs like ChildCareEd, which offers self-paced, fully online courses in all CDA settings (Infant/Toddler, Preschool, and Family Child Care).

What #career options are available after earning a CDA?

With a CDA credential, you can pursue #careers such as:

Lead teacher in a child care center or preschool
Assistant teacher in a Head Start program
Family child care provider
Early childhood education program director (with experience)

Is there support for the CDA process?

Yes, many training organizations offer support, including guidance on creating your professional portfolio and preparing for the CDA exam. Some programs, like ChildCareEd, even offer PD Specialist support.