Michigan CDA Renewal Courses - post

Renewing your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is an important step in maintaining your professional status in #early-childhood-education — especially in Michigan, where licensing standards and ongoing education #play a big role in your #career success. Whether you work in a #preschool, family child care home, or infant/ #toddler-setting, understanding your renewal options helps ensure your certification stays active and your skills stay current.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What the CDA credential means

• Renewal requirements

• Michigan-specific considerations

• Online renewal courses

• Helpful links and resources you can use today

Let’s dive in!

What is a CDA Credential?

A Child Development Associate (CDA) is a nationally recognized credential in #early-childhood-education that shows you have the knowledge and skills to work effectively with young children and their families. A CDA credential can help you qualify for more advanced positions, meet state employment requirements, and strengthen your professional reputation.

In Michigan, the CDA credential is often accepted for #lead #teacher, assistant teacher, and other early childhood positions — and is recognized by the Michigan Registry (MIRegistry) when earned through an approved training provider like ChildCareEd. 

How Frequently Must You Renew Your CDA?

A CDA credential is valid for three years from the date it was issued. This means that every three years, you must complete the renewal process to keep your credential active. Renewing on time is crucial — if the credential expires, you will generally need to reapply for a new CDA rather than renew your existing one. 

Best practice: Start your renewal process up to #6 months before your CDA expires. 

CDA Renewal Requirements

To renew your CDA credential, you must provide evidence of specific continuing professional activities. These typically include:

📘 Professional Learning & Training

You must complete one of the following:

• 4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in early childhood education

• 45 clock hours of training in relevant CDA topics

• A 3-credit college course in early childhood education

These hours must be in early childhood topics that relate to the age group and setting of your CDA. 

👩‍🏫 Work Experience

You must document a minimum of 80 hours of recent work experience with children in the setting for which your CDA was awarded. 

🧑‍⚖️ Professional Recommendations

You must obtain a recommendation from an approved early childhood professional reviewer as part of your renewal application process. 

🩹 Safety Training

Traditionally First Aid and CPR was required for renewal; however, some updates (effective 2025) have modified how this may be applied depending on state and council rules — always check current guidelines for exact expectations. 

Michigan-Specific Considerations

In Michigan, CDA renewal requirements are generally consistent with national standards, but you should also ensure that:

• Your training provider is MIRegistry-approved, meaning your completed hours can be submitted to Michigan’s registry system for licensing purposes. 

Michigan-approved courses are designed to help you meet both state licensing requirements and national CDA renewal expectations. This dual approval can simplify the process of tracking and reporting your completed training hours. 

Michigan CDA Renewal Courses Online

📍 ChildCareEd CDA Renewal Courses

ChildCareEd offers several online courses designed specifically for CDA renewal. These courses are fully MIRegistry-approved and can be completed at your own pace.

Here are some of the renewal options available:

• CDA Family Child Care Renewal — 4.5 CEUs

• CDA Infant/Toddler Renewal — 4.5 CEUs

• CDA Preschool Renewal — 4.5 CEUs

Each of these courses is structured to meet national and state renewal standards.

👉 Take a Michigan-eligible training course here

Useful Links and Resources

📍 Training & Education

• 🔗 CDA Renewal and Training at ChildCareEd — Courses you can take to complete your renewal hoursl

📘 Free or Supporting Resources

• 🔗 ChildCareEd Resource Section — Tools, checklists, and guidance materials to support your professional #development

📰 Informational Articles

• 🔗 CDA Renewal Guide on ChildCareEd — Helpful article with tips on renewing your CDA credential

Tips for Successful Renewal

Here are practical ways to make your CDA renewal process smoother:

📅 Start Early

Begin gathering your training documentation and work experience records at least 6 months before your expiration date.

📝 Track Your Hours

Keep detailed records of completed training, including provider names, dates, and CEU/clock hours earned.

🧑‍💼 Maintain MIRegistry Info

Add your MIRegistry ID to your online training account, so completed hours are automatically uploaded and tracked in the Michigan system.

📣 Stay Connected

Professional membership and networking help you stay informed about changes in renewal requirements and new training opportunities.

Stay Social & Connected

For more training news, tips, and continuing education ideas, follow ChildCareEd on social media:
🔗 Instagram