How to Renew Your CDA Credential Successfully - post

Let’s face it: renewing your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential doesn’t have to feel like cleaning up glitter from the floor after a #craft time gone wild. You’ve already done the big work earning the credential — now it’s just about staying current, brushing off the metaphorical glitter, and keeping your professional edge. Here’s a fun and easy read (with some very helpful links!) to guide you through the renewal process without breaking a sweat (or your stash of glitter).

1. Quick refresher: Why renew?

First, a little pep talk. Why bother renewing your CDA? According to the article “Maintaining Your CDA Credential: Renewal Requirements and Tips,” renewal ensures you’re keeping up with best practices in #early-childhood education — staying up-to-date, showing your commitment, and keeping your portfolio and training current. 
Renewal is also key to staying competitive and ready for advanced roles. It shows #parents, employers, and your professional self that you’re serious. 
So yes, you could treat it like “just another form to fill out,” but why not treat it like an opportunity to say, “Yep—I’ve still got this.”

2. The “What you need to know” checklist

Let’s get specific. Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind:

• The FAQs document “CDA FAQs: Renewing Your CDA. All Ages. CDA” lays out details for #all-age-groups (Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care). 

• Renewal requires completing additional professional #development/training. 

• You’ll maintain a professional portfolio showing your #growth since you first earned the credential.

• You stay current with your competency standards (the eight key areas of the CDA). For example, the renewal courses below explicitly state they meet “all eight of the CDA’s competency standards.” 

Think of it like giving your professional self a “spa day” — a refresh, a polish, maybe some new content, but you’re still you, just better equipped.

3. Choose the right renewal course for your specialization

Depending on your setting, there’s a renewal course tailored just for you. Here are three good fits:

• CDA Family Child Care Renewal Course: Designed for #educators operating in a family child care or #home- #daycare environment; covers all the required hours across the eight competency standards. cdacertification.com

• CDA Infant/Toddler Renewal Course: If your focus is infants and #toddlers, this one’s for you. It aligns with your age-group needs while fulfilling renewal requirements. cdacertification.com

• CDA Preschool Renewal Course: Working with #preschoolers? This course “meets all the required hours across all eight of the CDA’s competency standards” and helps you rediscover your enthusiasm for preschool education. 

Pick one, press #play (or click), and you’re on your way.

4. Step-by-step renewal journey (with a funny twist)

Let’s break it down — and yes, there will be a little humor (because why not?).
Step A: Set a reminder before you forget.
Imagine your calendar pops up: “Renew CDA — avoid turning into a zombie of paperwork.”
Step B: Choose your specialization course (see above) and enrol.
Step C: Complete the modules + assessments. The courses require you to pass final tests or review questions (often at 80% or higher). For example, the Family Child Care Renewal course states you must pass a final exam with 80% score. 
Step D: Update your professional portfolio. Add newer reflections, updated work samples, current goals. Think of it like refreshing your “About Me” but for your professional self — minus the awkward selfies.
Step E: Submit your documentation. Use the FAQs document to make sure you’re checking off all the boxes.
Step F: Celebrate! Yes — you did it. And maybe treat yourself to a cookie (or two). After all, you deserve it.

5. Tips to make it smooth (and avoid the “uh-oh” moments)

• Start early – don’t wait until the last minute. That’s how chaos happens (and glitter gets stuck everywhere).

• Focus on relevance – The renewal isn’t just form-filling. It’s about making sure you’re sharp in your practice. As the “Maintaining Your CDA Credential” article says: stay updated with best practices and maintain competence. 

• Stay organized – Keep your certificates, your portfolio, your reflections in one place.

• Choose the right course – As above: match the setting (Family Child Care vs Infant/Toddler vs Preschool) so you’re learning material that's meaningful for your work.

• Don’t let it slip – Once you earn the credential, renewal is part of the journey. Staying current keeps your reputation strong and your opportunities open. 

6. Final word (with a grin)

Renewing your CDA may not feel as flashy as planning a big #classroom project (hello, glitter again), but it’s just as important. By engaging in renewal coursework, updating your portfolio, and showing your ongoing commitment, you’re telling the world (and yourself) that you’re in it for the long haul. That you care. That you’re growing.

And remember: it’s perfectly fine — maybe even encouraged — to enjoy the process. You’ve done the heavy lifting. Now it’s time for the refresh, the polish, and (yes) the cookie.

Here’s to you keeping your credential current, your skills sharp, and your work with children vibrant and meaningful. You’ve got this!

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