Online CDA Training in Illinois - post

If you work in child care in Illinois, you may hear people talk about a CDA. A CDA (Child Development Associate Credential®) is a well-known credential in early childhood education. Many educators earn it to grow their skills and move up at work.

Below is a simple guide to online CDA training in Illinois, including how it fits with Illinois licensing and how to get started.

✅ What is a CDA, and why do Illinois educators get one?

A CDA is a national credential that shows you know how to care for and teach young children in safe, healthy, and positive ways.

Illinois educators often get a CDA to:

• Learn strong classroom skills

• Build confidence with children and families

• Qualify for certain roles more easily

• Stand out when applying for jobs (#CDA #EarlyChildhoodEducation)

Illinois child care licensing rules include a pathway where an approved credentialing program can help someone qualify as an early childhood teacher—and CDA is listed as one approved option.

🏫 Does Illinois require a CDA to work in child care?

Not always. Many roles in Illinois child care can be met through education and experience.

For example, Illinois DCFS day care center rules list early childhood teacher qualifications such as:

• College credits (semester hours) in child care/child development, and sometimes experience, OR

• Completion of an approved credentialing program (which can include the CDA)

So, a CDA is not the only route. But it can be a very helpful route.

Also, Illinois rules clearly allow progress routes while you work. For some positions, required classes “may include online courses.”
That’s one reason online training is a good fit for busy educators (#IllinoisChildCare).

💻 What does “online CDA training” mean in Illinois?

Online CDA training means you complete the required CDA training hours through online classes instead of in-person classes.

A strong online CDA program should:

• Cover all CDA subject areas

• Give you a training certificate when you finish

• Help you understand what to include in your CDA portfolio

Illinois also has statewide online training options through Gateways. Gateways to Opportunity is Illinois’ professional development system, and it connects providers to online training (including DCFS licensing trainings).

🗂️ How do you track training hours in Illinois?

In Illinois, many programs track training through the Gateways to Opportunity Registry.

Gateways Registry Membership lets you track training and education online and is described as meeting Illinois DCFS licensing requirements.

Simple tips:

• Keep your training certificates saved as PDFs

• Upload or record trainings in Gateways (if your program uses it)

• Ask your director how your center tracks required training

This is a smart habit for CDA work, too—because CDA requires you to keep documents organized (#ProfessionalDevelopment).

🧭 What are the basic steps to earn a CDA while working in Illinois?

Here’s a simple step-by-step path:

• Step 1: Pick your CDA setting

  • Infant/Toddler (birth–3)

  • Preschool (3–5)

  • Or Birth–5 (mixed ages)

• Step 2: Complete your CDA training hours

  • Many CDA candidates complete 120 hours of training (based on CDA Council requirements).

• Step 3: Build your professional portfolio

  • You will write short statements and collect documents that show what you do as a teacher.

• Step 4: Apply, test, and finish the CDA process

  • The CDA credential is awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition.

Illinois-specific note: Illinois DCFS rules include an “Interim Conditional Early Childhood Teacher” option for some educators who are still finishing qualifications. If someone is pursuing a CDA/CCP, the rules describe having 60 training hours completed before serving in that interim conditional role and timelines for completing the credential.

(Always confirm your exact job role requirements with your director or licensing rep.)

🎓 Which ChildCareEd online CDA courses can help in Illinois?

If your goal is to complete CDA training online with clear guidance, these ChildCareEd courses are directly related:

• 👶 Infant/Toddler CDA (Birth–3)
  CDA Infant/Toddler Credential with Portfolio Review

• 🧒 Preschool CDA (Ages 3–5)
  CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review

• 👧👦 Birth–5 CDA (Mixed Age Classrooms)
  Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review

These are self-paced online programs that cover the CDA subject areas and include portfolio support.

🧾 What ChildCareEd resource can help you stay organized?

Use this free checklist while you work through your CDA steps:

• ✅ Updated Checklist for Earning Your CDA Credential

It helps you track what you’ve finished and what you still need.

📚 What related ChildCareEd article should you read next?

If you want a simple overview of the full CDA process (training, portfolio, and next steps), this article is a helpful read:

• CDA Credential Training Online

📲 Where can you get CDA tips and support from ChildCareEd?

For quick tips, reminders, and encouragement, follow ChildCareEd on social media:

👉 Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/childcareed/

Following is a great way to stay motivated during your training—and to get helpful updates as you move forward. #ECE

⭐ Quick checklist: Is online CDA training a good choice for you?

Online training is often a great fit if you:

• Work full time and need flexible study time

• Want to learn at your own pace

• Need help staying organized with portfolio paperwork

• Want a credential that can support career growth in Illinois

If you’re ready, start with the CDA setting that matches your classroom—and take one small step this week.