CDA Online Trainings in Oklahoma: A Complete Guide for Early Childhood Educators

image in article CDA Online Trainings in Oklahoma: A Complete Guide for Early Childhood Educators If you’re working in #early-childhood-education in Oklahoma, earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential can be a major step forward in your #career. Oklahoma providers must complete ongoing professional training each year to meet state licensing and professional #development requirements. Online CDA training makes it possible to #learn at your own pace — around your work and life responsibilities.

This article explains what CDA training is, why it #matters in Oklahoma, how online training works through ChildCareEd.com, and how to use training hours to maintain licensure and grow in your profession.

What Is the CDA and Why Is It Important?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a nationally recognized credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. It shows that an #early-childhood #educator has the knowledge and skills to work with young children and families. A CDA helps you:

Build professional credibility in #early-childhood-education.
Meet job requirements for many lead teacher or caregiver positions.
Advance on Oklahoma’s Professional Development Ladder (PDL) — a statewide system tracking training, credentials, and experience. Earning a CDA can help you reach PDL Level 5 and beyond.

In Oklahoma, all child care providers must complete required training hours to stay licensed, and CDA coursework can count toward these hours.

Oklahoma Training Requirements for Child Care Providers

Working in a licensed child care setting in Oklahoma means meeting state training requirements set by the Center for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD) and Oklahoma Human Services – Child Care Services. Approved training is accepted for:

Pre-service training (before you begin working with children).
Annual training hours required for ongoing licensure.
Professional Development Ladder (PDL) advancement.

What Oklahoma Requires

Oklahoma providers must complete ongoing professional training each year — often 12 clock hours for initial licensure and renewal — and more hours if advancing on the PDL. The exact number of hours you need depends on your career goals and the level of the ladder you are pursuing.

Training typically covers topics such as:

Child development principles
Health and #safety practices
Classroom guidance and behavior support
CPR and first aid
Nutrition and food handling
Emergency preparedness

Completing CDA coursework — especially online — simplifies meeting many of these requirements.

Online CDA Training With ChildCareEd.com

ChildCareEd.com offers self-paced online training that is accepted by Oklahoma’s CECPD and counted toward informal training hours, annual clock hours, and CDA credential coursework.

Here’s how training with ChildCareEd works:

Flexible Online Learning

You can complete courses:

Anywhere with an internet connection
On your schedule — no scheduled class times unless you choose a live virtual version
At your own pace, ideal for working providers or those with families

Training is available in multiple #languages and covers a wide range of child care topics — from #health-and-safety to child development practices.

How ChildCareEd Supports CDA Training

ChildCareEd offers several CDA paths that help you reach the 120 hours of professional development required for national CDA credentialing:

These programs include coursework in all competency areas needed for CDA certification and help you prepare documentation for your professional portfolio.

👉 Explore training offered at ChildCareEd

Steps to Complete CDA Training Online

Here’s a simple overview of how the online CDA process works:

1. Choose the Right CDA Path

Decide which CDA credential matches your work setting — for #example, preschool, infant/ #toddler, or family child care.

2. Complete 120 Hours of CDA Coursework

Take online training courses approved for CDA training. ChildCareEd’s self-paced courses make it easier to fit learning into your schedule.

3. Gain Work Experience

Most CDA applications require verified experience working with children.

4. Build Your Professional Portfolio

Collect samples of your work, reflections, and evidence of implementation of child care practices.

5. Prepare for the CDA Exam and Evaluation

After your coursework and portfolio are ready, you’ll apply for the CDA assessment, which includes a verification visit or observation.

Why Choose Online CDA Training?

Online CDA training offers several key advantages:

Flexible Scheduling

You can study when it works best for you — evenings, weekends, or during breaks at work. This is especially helpful if you are balancing work and family duties.

Automatic Registry Reporting

If you add your Oklahoma Professional Development Registry (OPDR) ID to your ChildCareEd account, completed training hours can be automatically uploaded to the registry — saving time and paperwork.

Wide Range of Topics

ChildCareEd’s course catalog includes required #health-and safety training as well as child development and #classroom management topics — all useful for fulfilling state requirements and building your skills.

Helpful Resources From ChildCareEd

ChildCareEd offers resources beyond training courses — including guides, support tools, and articles to help you succeed in your career.

📘 Helpful Resource Link

Access tools and information that support your training goals and professional development planning here:

Support Services from ChildCareEd for our Learners

📰 Recommended Article from ChildCareEd

Learn more about how training works and why online courses matter in early childhood education:

ChildCareEd Courses for Child Care Providers in Oklahoma

Tips for Success With Online CDA Training

Whether you’re just beginning or advancing your career, here are some helpful tips:

👍 Plan Your Training

Check Oklahoma’s training requirements and target the courses you need for your PDL level or CDA credential.

📆 Create a Study Schedule

Set aside regular hours each week for training to keep momentum and avoid last-minute rushes before renewal deadlines.

📁 Organize Your Documents

Keep certificates and training records organized — you’ll need them for licensing, portfolio creation, and PDL advancement.

💬 Ask for Support When Needed

Reach out to ChildCareEd instructors or use support resources on the site if you have questions about courses or requirements.

Stay Connected With ChildCareEd

Keep up with training updates, professional tips, and community support by following ChildCareEd on social media:

👉 Instagram

Conclusion

Earning your CDA credential and completing required professional development training in Oklahoma doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With flexible, state-approved online courses from ChildCareEd.com, you can meet licensing and PDL requirements while gaining valuable skills to support young children’s learning.

Training online gives you the #freedom to learn on your own schedule — and makes it easier to grow your early childhood career. Start exploring courses today and take the next step toward your professional goals in Oklahoma’s early childhood field.