If you're looking to build a fulfilling #career-in- #early-childhood-education, earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is one of the most important steps you can take—especially in Illinois, where quality standards for #preschool and child care #educators are high. Whether you're just starting out or looking to formalize your experience, this guide will walk you throug #h-how to earn your CDA in Illinois and how to begin your training today.
The CDA Credential, awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition, is the most widely recognized certification for #early-childhood-educators in the U.S. In Illinois, many child care centers, Head Start programs, and #preschools either require or strongly prefer candidates with a CDA.
Enhances your professional credibility
Increases job opportunities and earning potential
Demonstrates your commitment to quality child care
Meets licensing requirements in many Illinois settings
Here’s a step-by-step overview tailored to Illinois-based educators:
These hours must cover eight specific subject areas outlined by the Council for Professional Recognition.
➡️ Start your training online today with cdacertification.com’s CDA courses. Our programs are:
Illinois-compliant
Self-paced and 100% online
Affordable and accessible from anywhere
You must complete 480 hours of work (paid or volunteer) with children in the age group for which you’re seeking certification—typically infants/ #toddlers, #preschoolers, or family child care.
This includes:
Sample #lesson-plans
Family communication logs
Personal philosophy statement
All of which are guided step-by-step in our cdacertification.com training modules.
Once your training and portfolio are complete, you'll:
Submit your application to the CDA Council
Complete a professional verification visit
Take the CDA exam at a local Pearson VUE testing center
Yes. Illinois accepts online CDA training programs, as long as they meet Council and state standards.
cdacertification.com offers CDA training that fulfills:
Illinois DCFS licensing requirements
Council for Professional Recognition training criteria
Flexible learning for busy educators
We also provide training for Infant/Toddler CDA, Preschool CDA, and Family Child Care CDA—so you can choose the specialization that fits your career goals.
In Illinois, you may be eligible for:
Gateways to Opportunity scholarships and credentials
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Illinois financial assistance
Support through your child care center or Head Start employer
These can help cover the cost of training, assessment, and continuing education.
With your CDA in hand, you’ll be qualified to work in:
Licensed child care centers
Illinois Preschool for All programs
Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms
Family and group #home child care
It also sets the stage for advancing your education with associate or bachelor’s degrees in #early-childhood-education.
Join our growing community of #early-childhood-educators!
📱 Follow ChildCareEd.com on social media for:
Free #early-childhood education resources
Updates on Illinois certification changes
Inspiration and tips from other CDA professionals
Course discounts and scholarship news
Earn your CDA the flexible, affordable way with cdacertification.com. Enroll in our online training today and take the first step toward becoming a certified child care professional in Illinois.