CDA Courses ChildCareEd Provides for Providers in Oklahoma - post

Earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a meaningful way for early childhood educators in Oklahoma to advance their professional skills, increase job opportunities, and strengthen their practice with children. ChildCareEd offers a variety of online CDA training programs that are recognized and accepted for professional #development in Oklahoma’s early childhood system. This article explains what CDA training is, why it’s valuable, and how ChildCareEd’s offerings can help you succeed — all in clear, easy-to-understand language. 

Understanding the CDA Credential

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential® is a national credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. It shows that you have the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality care and education to young children and families. A CDA credential helps early childhood professionals:

• Stand out in the job market

• Demonstrate competence in child development

• Meet professional development goals

• Move up the Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL)
  CDA credentials are widely respected and often used by employers and quality rating systems.

While the CDA itself is a national credential, training programs like the ones offered by ChildCareEd provide all required coursework hours (typically 120 hours) that count toward the first step in earning your CDA. 

Why CDA Training Matters in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL) supports career growth for early childhood professionals. Earning a CDA credential can help you reach OPDL Level 5 and beyond — advancing your opportunities for roles like master teacher, director, or lead educator. The CDA is recognized by the Center for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD) and the Oklahoma Human Services – Child Care Services division.

Here’s why CDA training matters:

• Professional Growth: It builds strong foundational knowledge across key areas of child development and caregiving.

• Credential Recognition: A CDA credential is widely accepted in the field and respected by employers nationwide. 

• OPDL Advancement: CDA training supports advancement on the Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder and can strengthen your professional resume.

• Flexible Learning: ChildCareEd delivers CDA training online so you can complete coursework around your schedule. 

Completing CDA training doesn’t mean you’ve finished the entire credential process — you’ll also need experience hours and to complete the CDA application and assessment steps through the Council for Professional Recognition — but it’s an essential and foundational step. 

Types of CDA Courses Offered by ChildCareEd

ChildCareEd provides several comprehensive CDA training options designed to meet different professional needs. All of these courses are online, self-paced, and award CEUs (Continuing Education Units) that count toward professional development requirements in Oklahoma. 

1. Full CDA Training Programs (120 Hours)

These 120-hour courses cover all required CDA subject areas and are designed to prepare you for the credentialing process:

• Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review — Designed for educators working across multiple age groups. 

• CDA Infant/Toddler Credential with Portfolio Review — Focused on caregivers working with infants and #toddlers. 

• CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review — Tailored for educators in #preschool settings.

• CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review — Intended for family child care providers working with children birth to age five. 

• CDA Home Visitor Credential Birth to 5 — Designed for professionals who work with families and children in #home-based settings. 

These full programs give you the depth and scope of training required by the CDA Council, combined with portfolio support options that help you prepare the professional documentation needed for your CDA application. 

2. CDA Renewal and Subject Area Courses

If you already hold a CDA credential and need to renew it or if you want to focus on specific knowledge areas, ChildCareEd also offers:

• CDA Infant/Toddler Renewal

• CDA Preschool Renewal

• CDA Family Child Care Renewal

• CDA Subject Area Courses (focus on topics like professional practices, observation, planning, and more)

These options allow you to earn CEUs toward renewal or to deepen your understanding in particular CDA skill areas without completing a full 120-hour program. 

Benefits of Taking CDA Courses With ChildCareEd

ChildCareEd’s CDA offerings stand out for several reasons:

• Online & Self-Paced: Complete coursework at your convenience — perfect if you’re balancing work, family, and training.

• Recognized Across Oklahoma: ChildCareEd’s CDA programs count toward the Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder and meet CECPD approval. 

• Portfolio Review Support: Some courses include feedback from professional development specialists to help perfect your CDA portfolio. 

• CEUs Awarded: Completing CDA courses earns CEUs that you can use for continuing education and professional development goals. 

• Language Accessibility: Many courses are available in multiple #languages to support Oklahoma’s diverse workforce. 

These training features help you build confidence, expand your skills, and move your career forward in #early-childhood-education. 

Examples of CDA Courses

Here are some specific CDA-related courses you can find at ChildCareEd to support your CDA journey:

• CDA Introduction — A great starting point if you’re new to the CDA process. 

• Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review — Comprehensive 120-hour credential program.

• CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review — Focused on the preschool setting, covering all 8 CDA subject areas. 

• CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review — Tailored for home-based providers working with children ages birth to five. 

To explore these course options directly, visit ChildCareEd’s Oklahoma training selection:
👉 Approved OK Trainings — scroll to the CDA offerings. 

Training Link — Start a CDA Course

👉 Explore and enroll in CDA programs at ChildCareEd:
Approved ChildCareEd courses in OklahomaThis link shows the training catalog where you can find CDA credential courses, renewal courses, and subject area trainings relevant to early childhood professionals in Oklahoma.

Resource Link — Support and Tools

📘 ChildCareEd Resource Center

This page provides free tools, guides, and information that help you plan your CDA training journey and understand professional development topics more deeply.

Featured Article From ChildCareEd

📰 Read this helpful article:
Understanding Oklahoma CDA Certification

This article explains what the CDA credential is, how it fits into Oklahoma’s early childhood education landscape, and why it’s a valuable step for your professional development. 

Stay Connected

Stay updated with new course offerings, tips, and professional development ideas from ChildCareEd:
📸 Instagram

Following ChildCareEd on Instagram helps you connect with other educators, discover training reminders, and see community stories from early childhood professionals.

Conclusion

Whether you’re just beginning your journey toward a CDA or looking to renew and enhance your skills, ChildCareEd provides flexible, recognized, and high-quality CDA training for Oklahoma providers. With online formatting, portfolio support options, and multiple credential paths — including preschool, infant/toddler, family child care, and #home-visitor credentials — you can take meaningful steps toward professional #growth-and greater career opportunities in early childhood education.