If you’re an #early-childhood provider in Minnesota thinking about advancing your skills and #career, earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a powerful step. This nationally recognized credential can help you grow professionally, meet state training requirements, and improve the quality of care you provide. Fortunately, online CDA training makes it flexible and convenient to complete the necessary coursework — all from #home and on your schedule.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the CDA is, how online training works in Minnesota, what the state requires for early childhood professionals, and how you can get started with online training through ChildCareEd.com — one of the most trusted providers of flexible, online child care training.
What Is the CDA and Why It Matters in Minnesota?
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is a nationally recognized credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. It indicates that an early childhood #educator has the knowledge and skills needed to support young children’s learning and #development. Earning a CDA can help you:
-
Advance your career — Many #lead #teacher and assistant teacher roles require or prefer the CDA.
-
Meet Minnesota professional development goals — The CDA can satisfy education requirements on Minnesota’s career lattice.
-
Grow your confidence and knowledge — The CDA coursework teaches best practices for working with infants, #toddlers, #preschoolers, and families.
In Minnesota, the CDA is recognized as a valid educational qualification for early childhood providers.
Minnesota Training and Licensing Requirements
Minnesota requires ongoing professional development for child care providers. Approved trainings help you:
-
Meet licensing requirements
-
Track your training credit in the Develop Registry
-
Advance on the Minnesota Career Lattice / PDL system
Training is tracked and approved through the Minnesota Center for Professional Development (MNCPD) and the Develop Registry. When courses are approved and you add your Develop Registry ID to your training account, training hours are reported directly for state credit.
What Minnesota Requires
-
Center #staff: Ongoing in-service training, often 20– #40-hours annually.
-
Family child care providers: 16 hours of ongoing training each year.
Approved online training is a flexible way to meet these requirements without having to attend in-person classes.
Online CDA Training Through ChildCareEd
ChildCareEd.com is a Develop Approved Training Sponsor Organization in Minnesota (TSO #142735). That means many of their online courses are reviewed and approved for state training credit and will appear in your Develop Registry record once completed.
Why Choose ChildCareEd for CDA Training?
-
🖥 Flexible, self-paced online learning — Study around your work and life schedule.
-
📜 Minnesota-approved training hours — Courses count toward Minnesota training requirements when you add your Develop Registry ID.
-
📚 Comprehensive CDA programs — Includes everything you need to meet the 120 hours of formal training required for your CDA credential.
Types of CDA Training Offered
ChildCareEd provides multiple CDA pathways, including:
-
Renewal options for each credential type
These training programs help you complete the required coursework for your CDA and support your portfolio preparation.
👉 Explore training offered at ChildCareEd
Step-by-Step Guide to Earning Your CDA Online
Completing your CDA through online training is manageable when you break it down into steps:
1. Choose Your CDA Credential Path
Decide which credential fits your work setting — preschool, infant/toddler, family child care, etc.
2. Complete 120 Hours of Formal Training
ChildCareEd’s online courses help you finish all required training hours in the eight CDA subject areas.
3. Document Your Experience
Gain and document the required professional experience working with children.
4. Build Your Professional Portfolio
Your portfolio shows how you apply what you’ve learned in real-world child care settings.
5. CDA Assessment
After your coursework and portfolio are complete, you’ll schedule your CDA assessment and verification visit with the Council for Professional Recognition.
Key Minnesota-Specific Details for CDA and Training
Understanding Minnesota’s systems can help you make the most of online training:
Develop Registry Integration
To ensure your training hours count in Minnesota:
-
Create or log in to your ChildCareEd account
-
Enter your Develop Registry ID in your profile
-
Complete your training
-
Completions are sent to the Develop Registry for credit
Career Lattice Advancement
-
The CDA credential can help you advance on Minnesota’s early childhood career lattice and increase your professional standing.
-
State supports like Child Care Aware of Minnesota’s CDA advising services and scholarships may help with training and application costs.
Helpful Resources from ChildCareEd
In addition to training courses, ChildCareEd offers resources to support your professional development journey:
📘 Resource Offered at ChildCareEd:
Free tools, guidance, and instructional support to help you succeed:
Support Services from ChildCareEd for our Learners
📰 Article Posted on ChildCareEd:
A comprehensive overview of training options and how they work for Minnesota providers:
A Complete Guide to ChildCareEd Courses for Providers in Minnesota
Tips for Success With Online CDA Training
To make the most of your online CDA experience, consider these tips:
📅 Create a Training Schedule
Set aside dedicated time each week to work through your online courses. This keeps you on track without feeling rushed.
📝 Organize Your Certificates
Once you complete a course, save your certificate and verify it appears in your Develop Registry.
🤝 Use Available Support
Take advantage of resources like Minnesota’s CDA advising, scholarship programs, and online forums to stay motivated and informed.
Stay Connected With ChildCareEd
Get updates about new courses, training tips, and professional development inspiration by following ChildCareEd on social media:
Conclusion
Minnesota #educators have excellent opportunities to complete CDA training online — making it easier to meet state training requirements, earn a nationally recognized credential, and grow in your early childhood career. With flexible, approved courses from ChildCareEd.com, you can learn at your own pace, track your training in the Develop Registry, and build confidence in your skills.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or renewing your credential, online training offers a convenient and effective path forward. Start exploring available courses today and take the next step in your professional #growth — for your career and the children you serve.
