Are you ready to launch your #career-in- #early-childhood-education right here in the Cornhusker State? Whether you're from Omaha, Lincoln, or somewhere in between, earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential can open doors to rewarding roles in childcare centers, Head Start programs, and #preschools.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to earning your CDA in Nebraska—with helpful resources and links to get you started fast!
A CDA (Child Development Associate) credential is a nationally recognized certification that proves you have the skills and knowledge to work with young children. In Nebraska, having your CDA can significantly boost your employability, meet licensing requirements, and #lead to higher pay and career advancement.
Wondering what kinds of roles a CDA can lead to? Check out our article:
👉 Unlocking Career Opportunities with a CDA
To get your CDA, you’ll need to complete the following:
120 Hours of Formal Education in #early-childhood topics (like #health, #safety, child #development, and more).
480 Hours of Work Experience with children in your chosen CDA setting (infant/ #toddler, preschool, family child care, or #home-visitor).
Professional Portfolio that includes reflective statements, family questionnaires, and other required documentation.
Need help with that portfolio? We’ve got you covered:
👉 CDA Portfolio Binder Cover Sheet and Tabs Template (All Ages - Daisy)
The best part? You don’t have to drive to Lincoln or Omaha to complete your CDA training. With CDAcertification.com, you can earn your 120 formal education hours completely online—at your own pace!
Our popular online courses include:
Each course is aligned with the Council for Professional Recognition’s requirements and prepares you fully for your CDA application and verification visit.
Once you've completed your coursework and built your portfolio, here’s what’s next:
Apply online through the Council for Professional Recognition at cdacouncil.org.
Schedule your CDA Verification Visit—an assessor will come to your program site.
Take the CDA Exam at a local testing center.
After passing both the verification visit and exam, you’ll officially earn your CDA credential!
Follow us for tips, training updates, success stories, and giveaways:
👉 Follow ChildCareEd.com on Social Media
(You’ll find links to all our social platforms there!)
Whether you're just beginning or already have experience in childcare, earning your CDA is a powerful way to invest in your future—and Nebraska needs qualified #early-childhood- #educators now more than ever!
Enroll today at cdacertification.com and take the first step toward your CDA credential.