🧠From Passion to Profession: How to Earn Your CDA and Launch a Rewarding Early Childhood Career - post

Related State Bundles

Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle

$90

Are you currently working in an Alabama child care center and looking to meet your 12-hour annual training requirement? Then you’re ready for this all-in-one annual training bundle!

Our Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle offers a streamlined way to complete your yearly in-service training as required by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. This bundle includes interactive courses in health and safety, child development, positive guidance, emergency preparedness, language development, and more.

Stay compliant, build your professional knowledge, and maintain your eligibility to work in licensed child care programs across Alabama—all at your own pace.

✅ Fulfills the 12-hour annual in-service training requirement for center-based child care workers
✅ Approved for Alabama DHR compliance
✅ Ideal for renewing licenses and maintaining employment in regulated child care centers

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• Language Development in Early Childhood
• Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
• Stay Alert! Steps to Emergency Prep Online Version
• Viewing Guidance in a Positive Light

Alabama 20- Hour Annual Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Home Licensee

$150

Are you an Alabama family or group day care home licensee looking to fulfill your 20-hour annual training requirement? Then you're ready for this comprehensive, home-provider-focused training bundle!

This Alabama Licensee Annual Training Bundle is tailored exclusively for licensed providers operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 20 clock hours of annual training required by the Alabama DHR and covers all six mandated training areas. Whether you're renewing your license, preparing for inspection, or enhancing the quality of care in your home program, this bundle ensures you're in full compliance and growing professionally.

🎯 What’s Included in This Bundle:

• ✅ Child Development
• ✅ Health and Safety
• ✅ Positive Guidance & Discipline 
• ✅ Language and Literacy Development
• ✅ Family Communication

✅ Why Choose This Bundle?

• Aligned with Alabama DHR Family and Group Day Care Home Licensing Standards
• Designed specifically for home-based child care providers
• Flexible, online, self-paced access
  
  

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• Working Together: Teachers & Preschoolers
• The Right Kind of Influence for Young Children
• Supporting Little Hearts: Divorce and Separation in the Child Care Setting
• Supporting Families and Caregivers in Language and Literacy
• Play, Learn, Grow Online Version
• Nutrition Essentials for Child Care Providers
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education
• Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners
• Building a Community of Families

Alabama 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Homes

$185

Are you planning to open a licensed family or group day care home in Alabama? Do you need to complete your 24 hours of preservice training? Then you’re ready for this specialized training bundle!

This Alabama Family/Group Day Care Homes 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle is tailored for prospective licensees operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 24-hour preservice training requirement set by Alabama DHR and includes focused modules on child development, universal precautions, nutrition, licensing regulations, and family communication.

Whether you’re preparing to launch your own in-home child care business or updating your credentials, this training will guide you through every essential topic to ensure a successful and compliant start.

✅ Satisfies the Alabama DHR 24-hour preservice training requirement for new licensees
✅ Covers all six required training areas
✅ Perfect for new child care entrepreneurs and home-based provider.

• Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
• Administering Basic Health and Safety ONLINE
• Community and Family Engagement in Childcare
• Language Development in Early Childhood
• Staying Positive: Guidance for Preschoolers
• DAP for Family Child Care
• Business Planning: Family Child Care
• Let’s Talk: Effective Communication
• A Watchful Eye: Supervision in Early Childhood
• Baby Play: Planning Infant and Toddler Activities

🧠From Passion to Profession: How to Earn Your CDA and Launch a Rewarding Early Childhood Career

What Is the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and Why Does It Matter?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is one of the most respected certifications in #early-childhood education. It demonstrates your commitment to quality care and child-centered learning. Whether you’re working with infants, #toddlers, or #preschoolers, earning your CDA can open doors to better #career opportunities, higher pay, and deeper fulfillment as an #educator.

If you’re new to the CDA, it’s a credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, and it’s recognized nationwide. It’s designed to ensure that early childhood professionals have the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive #development.

Which CDA Path Is Right for You?

Before you begin, it’s important to choose the right specialization for your teaching goals. Here are four paths to explore:

• 👶 CDA Infant-Toddler Credential – Perfect if you’re working with children from birth to age 3. You’ll focus on nurturing development and creating #safe, responsive environments.

• 🎨 CDA Preschool Credential – Ideal for #educators teaching children ages 3–5, covering #language, literacy, and creative expression.

• 🏠 CDA Family Child Care Credential – Tailored for those providing care in a #home-based setting, emphasizing family partnerships and individualized learning.

• 🌟 Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review – A comprehensive option that prepares you to work across all early childhood age groups while helping you assemble your professional portfolio.

What Curriculum Will You Cover During Your CDA Training?

The CDA curriculum is both comprehensive and hands-on. You’ll explore core areas that include:

1. Planning a safe and #healthy learning environment – You’ll learn how to design spaces that foster exploration and #safety.

2. Advancing physical and intellectual competence – Expect to plan engaging activities like music, movement, and #sensory- #play.

3. Supporting social and emotional development – You’ll develop skills in guiding behavior and promoting self-esteem.

4. Building productive relationships with families – Communication, trust, and respect form the backbone of effective partnerships.

5. Managing an effective program operation – Learn #classroom organization, time management, and documentation.

6. Maintaining professionalism – You’ll reflect on ethical standards and continuous #growth.

For a fun hands-on resource, explore the Movement and Music Lesson Plan: Color Dance Parade to see how creativity and movement align with CDA learning standards.

How Do You Earn Your CDA Credential?

Earning a CDA takes dedication—but it’s absolutely achievable! Follow these steps:

1. Complete 120 hours of formal education – Choose CDA-specific coursework, such as the ones linked above.

2. Gain 480 hours of experience – Work directly with children in your selected age group.

3. Prepare your professional portfolio – Collect #lesson-plans, reflections, and family communications. For help, use the Professional Portfolio Guide.

4. Apply to the Council for Professional Recognition – Submit your application and supporting documentation.

5. Schedule the CDA Verification Visit and Exam – A CDA Professional Development Specialist will observe your classroom and assess your readiness.

Need help balancing it all? Read Time Management Tips for Earning Your CDA Quickly for expert guidance.

Why Is the CDA Worth It?

A CDA demonstrates that you are serious about quality education. It validates your experience, strengthens your teaching confidence, and connects you with a nationwide community of professionals who share your dedication to children’s success.

Ready to Begin?

No matter which CDA path you choose, you’re investing in your future. Take your first step today by enrolling in one of our CDA credential programs.

And don’t forget to follow ChildCareEd.com on Instagram for study tips, lesson ideas, and educator inspiration.