Free CDA Training in Nevada

image in article Free CDA Training in Nevada When people say “free CDA training,” they usually mean you can finish your CDA training hours without paying much (or anything) yourself. In Nevada, this often happens through:

A free CDA training program that covers training and fees
Scholarships that help pay for classes
Fee support that covers the CDA application cost
Local training groups that offer low-cost or free workshops

The CDA (Child Development Associate) is a national credential. In Nevada, the CDA must be issued by the Council for Professional Recognition to count for Career Ladder placement.
#EarlyChildhoodEducation

What are the CDA requirements you should know first?

Before you start looking for free training, it helps to know what you need.

In Nevada, CDAs can be earned in different settings, like:

Preschool
Infant/Toddler
Family Child Care
Home Visiting

You also need 120 hours of training in 8 content areas, and you need at least 10 hours in each area.

That’s why “free CDA training” is such a big deal—it can save you a lot of money.

Where can you find free CDA training in Nevada right now?

Nevada has shared a real option called the Free CDA® Credential Training Program through University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Extension and The Nevada Registry.

Here’s what makes this program special:

It can be free for participants
It includes one-on-one coaching to help you get ready for your CDA steps (like your verification visit)
It is funded by a grant that can cover books, materials, and CDA application fees if you complete the program requirements during the program timeframe

Also, The Nevada Registry has shared that a session was scheduled January–May 2026, with an application period opening October 22, 2025 (online applications).

Tip: These programs can fill up fast. If you see an open application window, apply as soon as you can.

Why is The Nevada Registry important for free training and funding?

In Nevada, The Nevada Registry is a key place to track your growth in the field. It is:

A career development and recognition system
A place that tracks your training and education
Connected to the Career Ladder
A training approval system, so you can find approved training that counts

The Children’s Cabinet also explains that The Nevada Registry is responsible for approving informal (non-college credit) training in Nevada and provides tools like a training calendar.

So, if you want free or low-cost CDA training, this is a smart first step:

Join The Nevada Registry
Use the Registry’s Training Calendar of Events to find approved training

#NevadaChildCare

What scholarships can help pay for CDA training in Nevada?

If your CDA training is not fully free, scholarships can help a lot.

One major option is T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Nevada. TEACH provides debt-free educational scholarships for early childhood professionals.

In Nevada, TEACH works with child care programs and scholarship recipients, and the scholarships are funded by Nevada’s Department of Education (Office of Early Learning and Development).

The Children’s Cabinet also notes TEACH Nevada provides college scholarships for child care roles (like teachers, aides, directors, and owners) working in a licensed facility, often with work-hour rules (like 30 hours/week).

Can Nevada help pay the CDA application fee?

Yes—Nevada programs may help with the CDA fee (the cost you pay when you submit your CDA application to the Council).

A Nevada-focused guide explains that Nevada supports both big cost areas:

Paying for training hours
Paying the CDA application fee

It describes a Nevada CDA Application Fee Support approach that aims to remove the application fee barrier for eligible educators.

Even better: Nevada’s child care quality efforts are supported by CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) dollars, which are also used to support professional development for providers.

What local groups offer training support for child care educators?

In Nevada, The Children’s Cabinet offers Provider Education & Training Workshops to help build skills for licensed child care programs, linked to Nevada’s Core Knowledge Areas.

They also support the Nevada Child Care community through broader quality and workforce efforts. For example, Nevada Child Care Fund notes it is administered by The Children’s Cabinet through agreements tied to Nevada’s Child Care and Development Program.

If you need support, local workshops can help you:

Earn approved training hours
Learn practical classroom strategies
Get guidance on what steps to take next

Which ChildCareEd CDA courses can help you complete your training hours?

If you still need CDA training hours (or you want a simple, organized online option), these ChildCareEd programs are directly related to earning your CDA:

CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-preschool-credential.html
CDA Infant/Toddler Credential with Portfolio Review: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-infant-toddler-credential.html
CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-cda-family-child-care-credential.html

These courses are designed to help you complete 120 hours and prepare your portfolio steps in a clear way.
#CDA

What are smart next steps to try to get your CDA for free in Nevada?

Here is a simple plan you can follow:

Step 1: Join The Nevada Registry (so your training is tracked and approved)
Step 2: Watch for the Free CDA® Credential Training Program through UNR Extension
Step 3: Apply for help paying fees and classes
- TEACH Nevada scholarships
- CDA fee support options
Step 4: Fill any “missing hours” with approved training (online or local workshops)

What ChildCareEd resources can help you plan and save money?

Use these two ChildCareEd resources to stay organized and cut costs:

How to Get Your CDA for Free: https://www.childcareed.com/r-00708-how-to-get-your-cda-for-free.html
CDA Cost Checklist: https://www.childcareed.com/r-00707-cda-cost-checklist.html

And since CDA rules and processes can change, read this Nevada-specific update:

https://www.cdacertification.com/a/cda-2026-updates-what-nevada-educators-must-know.html

Where can you get quick tips and support while you work on your CDA?

Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram for training tips, reminders, and early childhood ideas you can use right away:
https://www.instagram.com/childcareed/

If you’re working toward your CDA this year, follow us and share your progress with us, too! #ChildCareTraining