Eager to earn your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in South Carolina? Let’s break it down, step by question—so you can confidently take your next steps toward a rewarding ECE #career-in the Palmetto State.
The CDA is a nationally recognized benchmark of competency in #early-childhood education—perfect for #educators aiming to #lead #classrooms or centers here in South Carolina. In fact, with a CDA (plus relevant experience), you may qualify to become a center director or co-director, even without a degree cdacouncil.orgchildcareed.com. Want to explore the broader impact of a CDA on your career path and professional identity? Check out From Passion to Profession: Why Earning Your CDA Is a Game‑Changer in Early Childhood Education.
The process in SC follows the national steps, but with local support and training paths. First, meet national criteria by completing 120 clock hours of training, gaining 480 hours of work experience, compiling a professional portfolio, and then completing a verification visit and exam through the Council for Professional Recognition cdacouncil.org+1. Additionally, many SC training providers like ProSolutions, Care Courses, and others offer CDA Gold Standard–aligned courses that fulfill these requirements careertraininglancaster.sc.edu+11cdacouncil.org+11prosolutionstraining.com+11.
Don’t forget to review the CDA FAQs: Applying for the CDA (All Ages) to get clear answers on eligibility, documentation, and the process.
South Carolina candidates can specialize according to their work setting and career interest:
CDA: Infant/Toddler Credential – Focus your skills on nurturing infants and #toddlers.
CDA: Preschool Credential – Ideal for leading #preschool classrooms and #early-learning environments.
CDA: Family Child Care Credential – Perfect if you’re educating children from your #home or small-group care setting.
CDA: Home Visitor Credential – Designed for professionals providing in-home education support to families.
You have multiple excellent options. Many South Carolina technical and community colleges offer credentialing coursework that aligns with SC’s Early Childhood Credential framework and meets CDA requirements scendeavors.org+1cdacouncil.org+1. Other flexible, online options include:
ProSolutions Training, offering online CDA Gold Standard–aligned courses and renewal training Care Courses+10prosolutionstraining.com+10cdacouncil.org+10.
Care Courses and National CDA Training, both featuring online CDA courses recognized in South Carolina CCEI Online+6cdacouncil.org+6national #cdatraining.com+6.
Choose the CDA specialization that fits your current or future setting.
Select a training provider or college offering CDA-aligned coursework in SC.
Complete your coursework, gain experience, and build your portfolio.
Apply, schedule your verification visit, and take the exam.
Achieve your CDA and step into a more confident and qualified ECE role.
Stay connected with ChildcareEd!
👉 Follow us on social media for #early-education guidance, local training updates, scholarship alerts, success celebrations, and more.—because your success helps light the way for South Carolina’s youngest learners.