The Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally recognized credential for #early-childhood professionals who work with babies and #toddlers from birth to 36 months. It shows that you understand how young children grow, #learn, and #develop and that you know how to provide #safe, nurturing care.
In Nevada, earning a CDA helps early childhood #educators meet employer expectations and grow professionally. Many childcare programs prefer or require #staff to hold a CDA because it shows strong knowledge and commitment to quality care.
This credential supports #EarlyChildhoodEducation, #NevadaChildcare, and #InfantToddlerCare.
The Infant/Toddler CDA is a good fit for professionals who work closely with very young children.
This credential may be right for you if you are:
An infant or toddler teacher
A caregiver in a childcare center or family child care home
A new educator starting a childcare #career
An experienced provider looking to advance professionally
Even if you already have experience, the CDA helps organize your knowledge and turn it into a recognized credential.
The CDA helps educators provide better care while also supporting career #growth. It shows that you understand best practices for working with infants and toddlers.
Benefits of earning a CDA include:
Increased confidence in the #classroom
Better job opportunities
Professional recognition
A strong foundation for future education
For Nevada educators, the CDA can be a valuable step toward long-term success in #early-childhood-education.
To earn the Infant/Toddler CDA, candidates must meet several national requirements set by the Council for Professional Recognition.
Key requirements include:
120 hours of professional education
480 hours of work experience with infants and toddlers
A completed CDA Professional Portfolio
A verification visit
A CDA exam
Each step builds on the next. Together, they show your skills, experience, and readiness to work with young children.
ChildCareEd offers an online option designed to help candidates complete CDA training in a clear and supportive way.
Recommended course:
CDA Infant/Toddler Credential
https://www.childcareed.com/courses- #cda-infant-toddler-credential.html
This course is self-paced and written in simple #language. It helps candidates complete required training hours while learning practical skills they can use every day in the classroom.
CDA training focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to care for babies and toddlers #safely and effectively.
Common topics include:
Child #growth-and-development
Safe and #healthy learning environments
Positive guidance and routines
Supporting social and emotional development
Building relationships with families
Professional responsibilities
These topics help educators understand not just what to do, but why it matters for young children.
The CDA Professional Portfolio is a key part of the CDA process. It shows how you connect your training to your daily work with children.
The portfolio is a collection of documents that demonstrate your skills and reflections. It is reviewed as part of the CDA verification process.
Your portfolio typically includes:
Statements of Competence
Resource collections
Lesson plans or activity ideas
Family questionnaires
Reflective writing
Staying organized is very important during this step.
Preparing your portfolio can feel overwhelming, but having a clear plan makes it easier.
Helpful tips include:
Start early
Keep all documents in one place
Follow instructions carefully
Review your work before submitting
Ask for guidance when needed
A very helpful resource is:
Updated Checklist for Earning Your CDA Credential
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00702-updated-checklist-for-earning-your-cda-credential.html
This checklist helps you track each requirement and avoid missing important steps.
After your portfolio is complete, a CDA Professional Development Specialist will schedule a verification visit. During this visit, the specialist will:
Observe you working with children
Review your portfolio
Conduct a reflective interview
The visit is designed to confirm that you meet CDA standards. Being prepared and confident helps make the process smoother.
The final step in earning your CDA is completing the CDA exam. The exam covers topics related to child development, safety, and professional practice.
CDA requirements may change over time. Staying informed helps prevent delays.
This related article explains upcoming updates:
CDA 2026 Updates: What North Dakota Educators Must Know
https://www.cdacertification.com/a/cda-2026-updates-what-north-dakota-educators-must-know.html
While the article focuses on another state, the updates apply nationally and are helpful for all CDA candidates.
Earning the CDA is more than completing a course—it is a professional achievement.
Career benefits include:
Stronger resumes
Greater confidence
Better understanding of best practices
Opportunities for advancement
For Nevada educators, the CDA can open doors and support long-term success in early childhood education. This supports #ProfessionalGrowth and #CDAcredential.
Infants and toddlers need consistent, caring relationships. Educators with CDA training are better prepared to meet these needs.
Strong infant/toddler care includes:
Responsive caregiving
Predictable routines
Safe environments
Positive communication with families
The CDA helps educators build these skills step by step.
ChildCareEd supports early childhood professionals with training, tools, and guidance throughout the CDA journey.
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