How the Child Development Associate (CDA) Helps Preschools Succeed

Preschools #play a crucial role in shaping the #early-educational experiences of children. To ensure that children receive high-quality care and education, #preschools need qualified and dedicated #staff. One way to ensure that your preschool team is equipped with the right skills and knowledge is by encouraging staff to earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. ChildCareEd offers targeted preparatory courses such as the CDA Preschool Credential Buy Now ~~$400.00~~$300.00 and the CDA Preparation: From Training to Application Buy Now $25.00 to help staff complete the required coursework and portfolio steps. This credential is a powerful tool for enhancing the quality of #early-childhood-education and improving the overall functioning of preschools.

At ChildcareEd, we offer training programs that help #educators achieve their CDA and make a lasting impact on young learners. Here’s how the CDA can benefit preschools and why it’s essential for your staff. If you’re wondering whether the CDA fits your program, see: Is a CDA Certification Right for Your Child Care Career?

What Is the CDA?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) is a nationally recognized credential that acknowledges an educator’s ability to provide high-quality #early-childhood education. Earning a CDA equips educators with the skills and knowledge needed to support the #development of young children in a variety of areas, including social, emotional, cognitive, and physical #growth. Read our primer: What is a CDA Credential? For a focused discussion of child development principles and how the CDA specifically supports those domains, see Child Development and the Role of the CDA.

Preschools that employ CDA-certified staff can ensure a higher standard of care and learning, which directly benefits the children in their programs.

How does the CDA enhance preschool programs?

How does the CDA improve educational quality?

The CDA program is designed to enhance the competencies and skills that preschool #teachers need to support children's development effectively. By earning a CDA, preschool teachers can better understand child #growth-and #developmental stages, which directly improves the learning environment for children. For concrete guidance on arranging classrooms to be safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate, see our article How Earning the CDA Credential Helps Educators Set Up Appropriate Classroom Environments.

Curriculum Development: CDA-certified teachers are trained to create #developmentally appropriate and engaging learning experiences.
Individualized Learning: With the knowledge gained through the CDA, teachers can identify and support the unique needs of each child, fostering a more personalized learning experience.

By investing in CDA training for your staff, you ensure that your preschool offers the best possible learning environment for children. Learn more about documented benefits in our article: What are the benefits of getting a CDA credential? For practical classroom activities and skill-focused lesson ideas that align with developmental milestones, see our article Candy Canes & Certifications: Building Skills in Early Childhood Education.

How does the CDA strengthen teacher-child relationships?

A key component of the CDA program is building strong, positive relationships with children. Teachers learn strategies to effectively communicate, #nurture, and engage with children, creating an atmosphere of trust and emotional security. This is essential for fostering social and emotional development in young children.

Social-Emotional Support: Teachers trained in CDA strategies are better equipped to support children’s emotional needs, helping them navigate social interactions and manage emotions.
Positive Behavior Guidance: CDA-certified teachers are trained to implement effective strategies for guiding children’s behavior, creating a calm and supportive #classroom-environment.

When teachers can build strong relationships with their #students, children feel more comfortable and secure in their learning environment, leading to better outcomes. See why many providers prioritize the CDA: Why do I need a CDA Credential?

How does the CDA support professional growth for educators?

Encouraging your staff to earn their CDA demonstrates a commitment to their professional development. It empowers them to grow in their #careers, boosts job satisfaction, and reduces staff turnover. For a broader look at how the CDA shapes employment pathways, program standards, and industry trends, see our article The CDA and Child Care Industry.

For guidance on choosing the right moment in an educator’s career to pursue the credential, see When Is the Right Time to Earn Your CDA.

Increased Confidence: Teachers who complete the CDA program gain confidence in their teaching abilities, leading to a more positive and productive environment.
Continual Learning: CDA certification requires ongoing professional development, ensuring that your educators stay updated on the latest teaching methods and best practices.

This professional growth ultimately translates into a better educational experience for the children at your preschool. For career implications, read: Why the CDA Credential Matters for Your Career

How does the CDA raise standards and credibility for your preschool?

Preschools that employ CDA-certified teachers are often seen as more credible and trustworthy by #parents. Parents want to know that their children are in #safe, nurturing environments with qualified professionals. For a detailed look at the ways CDA-certified educators benefit families and strengthen parent confidence, see how the CDA benefits families. Having CDA-certified staff helps demonstrate that your preschool is committed to meeting high standards of care and education.

Parent Confidence: Parents are more likely to trust a preschool with CDA-certified educators, knowing that their children are receiving quality care.
Accreditation: Many accrediting bodies recognize the CDA as a key qualification for preschool teachers, which can help your preschool meet accreditation requirements.

By hiring CDA-certified staff, you position your preschool as a leader in early childhood education.

To understand how that leadership extends beyond your program to benefit families and the wider neighborhood, see our examination of the broader impact of the CDA credential on the community.

How can preschool leaders support staff in earning the CDA?

At ChildcareEd, we offer online training programs specifically designed to help educators earn their CDA in a flexible and convenient way. Our courses are aligned with the competencies required for the CDA and provide comprehensive support throughout the process. Preschool leaders who want to understand the specific benefits of the CDA for program leadership and quality can read our guidance on how the CDA benefits childcare directors.

What steps can preschool administrators take to support staff earning the CDA?

Administrators who actively support staff through the CDA process report stronger retention and measurable classroom improvements. Concrete, implementable steps you can start this term include:

Provide tuition assistance or partial reimbursement for CDA coursework so financial barriers don’t stall completion.
Offer paid release time or flexible scheduling for staff to complete online modules and compile portfolio evidence.

Tips for Completing the 120 Hours of CDA Credential Training

Establish an internal mentoring program: pair candidates with experienced teachers to review reflective competency statements and classroom documentation.
Host on-site portfolio workshops and peer review meetings; provide time and a quiet space for staff to organize observations, artifacts, and family consent forms. This process benefits from the observation and assessment skills developed through the CDA, so consider the ways earning the CDA improves observation and assessment of young children, which will strengthen portfolio evidence and classroom assessment practices.
Subsidize exam and verification-visit costs or include them in your PD budget to lower out-of-pocket expenses for staff.
Create clear career pathways that tie CDA completion to salary steps, job titles, or leadership opportunities so staff see tangible returns on their investment.
Confirm coursework recognition with your state registry or licensing specialist before relying on a single program for regulatory compliance.
Use credentialed staff in family communications and marketing to demonstrate program quality and encourage others to enroll. See our article on how the CDA empowers educators to engage and partner with families.

For programs that want a bundled solution, consider ChildCareEd's CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review Buy Now ~~$500.00~~$400.00, which combines coursework and portfolio feedback to streamline completion. For guidance on the overall credentialing steps, see our A Simple Guide to the CDA Credential and our overview Is a CDA Certification Right for Your Child Care Career?.

Start your CDA training with ChildcareEd today!

In addition to CDA training, we also offer a wealth of resources to help preschool administrators and educators stay informed on best practices in early childhood education. Check out our resources for more insights on how to create a high-quality learning environment.

Stay Connected with ChildcareEd

We believe that professional development doesn’t stop with the CDA. Stay up-to-date on the latest early childhood education trends, tips, and resources by following us on social media. Join our community for inspiration, support, and the latest updates.

For continuous tips, inspiration, and updates on early childhood education, make sure to follow us on our social media platforms. Join our community and be a part of the conversation!

Summary: What should preschool leaders do next?

Encourage and support staff through a structured CDA pathway: (1) identify candidates, (2) fund or subsidize coursework and exam costs, (3) provide release time and mentorship, and (4) use portfolio review services to reduce barriers. Link staff development to career pathways and share certified staff with families to amplify program quality. ChildCareEd's CDA courses and portfolio supports can help operationalize these steps.

By supporting your preschool teachers in earning their CDA, you are investing in the future of your students, staff, and school. At ChildcareEd, we’re committed to helping you create a nurturing, effective, and high-quality educational environment for young learners. Start the journey today and empower your staff to make a lasting difference in early childhood education.

How the CDA Helps Preschools Succeed - post