Understanding Oklahoma CDA Certification

Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL) Level 2 Training Bundle

$500

Are you ready to advance your career? Then you're ready to move up to Level 2 of the Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL)!

The Level 2 OPDL Training Bundle by ChildCareEd is your pathway to professional growth and licensing compliance. Designed for providers seeking advancement, this bundle meets the Level 2 OPDL requirement of 60 clock-hours of approved early childhood training, helping you qualify for more advanced roles in early learning programs.

✔ Meets the Oklahoma licensing criteria for PDL Level 2
✔ Approved by the Center for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD)
✔ Earn formal training hours with OPDR-recognized certificates
✔ Covers a wide range of essential topics in early childhood education, child guidance, curriculum, and leadership

Elevate your career with trusted, self-paced, online training from ChildCareEd—your partner in professional development.

How Preschoolers Develop
A Closer Look into Developmental Theories
Food Preparation and Nutrition
Math Foundations in Early Childhood
Language Development in Early Childhood
Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners
Viewing Guidance in a Positive Light
9 Hour Communication Course
Health and Safety Orientation
CDA Subject Area 5
CDA Subject Area 6
Play, Learn, Grow Online Version
ACEs and Resilience in Child Care

Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL) Level 1 Annual Renewal Bundle

$80

Have you completed your first year on the OPDL? Are you ready to renew your Level 1 standing with 12 clock-hours of early childhood training? Then you're ready for your Level 1 annual renewal!

The OPDL Level 1 Annual Renewal Bundle from ChildCareEd is the perfect solution for maintaining your Oklahoma child care licensing status. This bundle includes 12 clock-hours of OPDR-approved training, designed specifically for early childhood professionals at the entry level.

✔ Fulfills the Oklahoma licensing requirement for Level 1 annual renewal
✔ Includes formal training hours
✔ Covers essential topics such as child development, safety and health, and early learning environments
✔ Aligned with the Oklahoma Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners
✔ Certificates are accepted by the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry (OPDR)

Stay compliant, grow your skills, and keep your OPDL certification current with ease—ChildCareEd is an approved training organization with the CECPD.

Brain Building
Writing Training Goals & Objectives
A Great Place for Education Includes All ONLINE
Reading Aloud and Storytelling
Student Success: Expectations & Independence

Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL) Level 1 Training Bundle

$90

Are you just starting your journey in child care? Then you’re ready for Level 1 on the Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL)!

The Level 1 OPDL Training Bundle from ChildCareEd, a CECPD-approved training organization, is designed specifically for new and entry-level child care providers. This bundle meets the minimum requirement of 12 clock-hours of ECE/CD/SA training completed within the last 12 months—a key step toward licensing and career advancement in Oklahoma.

✔ Fulfills Level 1 OPDL entry requirement
✔ Includes both formal training hours
✔ Covers core content areas like child development, health and safety, learning environments, and family engagement
✔ Certificates accepted by the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry (OPDR)

Take the first step in your child care career and meet licensing requirements with confidence.

You're Not My Friend Anymore: Learning Conflict Resolution
Community and Family Engagement in Childcare
Administration of Medicine
Spaces that Support Discovery
A Watchful Eye: Supervision in Early Childhood

Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL) Level 2–11 Annual Renewal Bundle

$150

Are you currently on OPDL Level 2 through 11? Then you're ready for your annual renewal!

The OPDL Level 2–11 Annual Renewal Bundle from ChildCareEd offers a convenient, comprehensive training package that satisfies the 20-hour annual renewal requirement for mid to advanced levels of the Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder.

✔ Meets the licensing renewal requirement for OPDL Levels 2 through 11
✔ Includes 20 clock-hours of CECPD-approved training, accepted by OPDR
✔ Includes formal training
✔ Training aligned with Oklahoma Core Competency Areas, including professionalism, curriculum, health & safety, and family partnerships
✔ Ideal for child care teachers, master teachers, and directors looking to maintain compliance and build professional excellence

Keep your OPDL level active and your knowledge current with this trusted, self-paced training bundle from ChildCareEd—an approved CECPD training provider.

How to Manage Chronic Illness with Infants/Toddlers
Project-Based Learning for Children
Toddlers and Theories
Balancing Active Play in Child Care
Building Early Science Foundations
Early Emotional Wellness
Emergent Learning & Development
ECE Programs Through History

image in article Understanding Oklahoma CDA Certification If you’re considering a #career-in- #early-childhood-education in Oklahoma, earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential can be an important step. Below is a detailed look at what the Oklahoma CDA certification involves — how to get it, why it matters, and how you can use it to advance in the field.

What Is the CDA Credential?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a nationally recognized credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. It signals that an #early-childhood #educator has demonstrated the skills needed to provide high-quality care and education for young children. The CDA is widely accepted across the United States, including in Oklahoma.

The CDA can be earned for several different settings, including:

Infant/Toddler (birth–3 years)
Preschool (ages 3–5)
Family Child Care ( #home-based care)
Home Visitor (supporting children and families in their #homes)
Birth-to-Five (covers #all-ages from birth through #preschool)

Why the CDA Matters in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s early childhood system uses the Professional Development Ladder (OPDL) — a career ladder that defines training levels for child care providers.

A CDA credential satisfies OPDL Level 5, a significant milestone on the ladder.
Holding a CDA can help #educators qualify for roles such as #teacher, master teacher, or director in Oklahoma early childhood programs.
For family child care providers, the CDA can also support advancement and legitimacy.

In short: the CDA isn’t just a certificate — it’s a professional credential that opens doors for advancement, higher responsibility, and potentially better pay.

Key Requirements for Earning a CDA in Oklahoma

If you want to earn a CDA, these are the main requirements set by the CDA Council (and accepted by Oklahoma):

Education: At minimum, a high school diploma or GED. Some settings allow high school juniors or seniors in early childhood programs.
Formal Training: 120 hours of #early-childhood-education training. Training must cover all eight CDA subject areas, with at least 10 hours in each area.
Practical Experience: 480 hours of work with children (birth — age 5) in a licensed setting. Informal experience (like babysitting) usually does not count.
Portfolio and Exam: You must build a professional portfolio, pass the CDA exam, and complete a verification visit (where a credentialing specialist observes your teaching practice) to finalize your credential.

Once awarded, the CDA credential is valid for three years. Renewal requires additional continuing education (e.g., CEUs, clock hours, or college credit), recent experience, and sometimes a background check or #safety verification.

How CDA Fits Into Oklahoma Licensing & Career Pathways

Oklahoma’s Professional Development Ladder (OPDL)

Oklahoma uses the OPDL to track and validate training and credentials for child care professionals.

Earning a CDA places you at Level 5 on the ladder — a strong professional credential that many centers and licensing systems recognize.
OPDL levels influence your eligibility for roles like master teacher or director.

Becoming Qualified to Teach in Public School (Four-Year-Olds and Younger Certificate)

For those with Head Start experience, a CDA, and a bachelor’s degree, Oklahoma offers a “Four-Year-Olds and Younger” teaching certificate. This allows you to teach children up to four years old in public schools.

Requirements for this pathway include:

At least five years of Head Start teaching experience
A current CDA credential
College transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree
Passing a subject-area competency exam in Early Childhood Education
Background check (state and national) and fingerprint clearance

This pathway illustrates the value of a CDA — it can be part of a credentialing journey that #leads to public school teaching.

How to Get Your CDA (Online Option)

If you’re in Oklahoma (or any state that recognizes the CDA), you can complete much of your training online with providers like ChildCareEd, which is approved by Oklahoma’s CECPD.

Here’s how it works using ChildCareEd’s program:

Complete a 120-hour CDA course — available for different settings (Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care, Birth-to-Five).
Use their online resources and portfolio templates to build your professional portfolio.
Complete the required 480 hours of hands-on experience working with children aged 0–5 in a licensed setting.
Apply for the CDA via the CDA Council, take the exam, and complete the verification visit.
After approval, your CDA will be valid for three years (then you’ll need to renew).

Using an online program like ChildCareEd can be especially helpful if you’re working full-time, have family responsibilities, or prefer flexible learning schedules.

Support & Financial Help for Oklahoma Providers

Scholarship Opportunities

If cost is a concern, Oklahoma has programs to help. The Scholars for Excellence in Child Care provides assessment scholarships to eligible child care professionals seeking their national CDA credential.

Eligibility typically includes: working in a licensed facility (with certain star rating), working full-time (30+ hours/week), and serving in a qualifying role (teacher, director, family child care provider, etc.).

Ongoing Professional Development

Oklahoma child care providers are required to complete annual training to maintain licensing and OPDL levels.

This makes the CDA not just a one-time credential, but part of a lifetime learning journey in early childhood education.

Benefits of Earning a CDA (Especially in Oklahoma)

National recognition: CDA is widely respected across the U.S., not just in Oklahoma.
Career advancement: Qualifies you for higher roles (teacher, master teacher, director) under Oklahoma’s OPDL system.
Flexibility: With online training available, you can complete CDA requirements even while working.
Potential for public-school teaching: Combined with a bachelor’s degree and experience, CDA helps #teachers qualify for the Four-Year-Olds and Younger public school certificate in Oklahoma.
Professional credibility: Demonstrates commitment, knowledge, and competence in early childhood education — which families, employers, and licensing agencies value.

How to Get Started Right Now

If you’re ready to begin your CDA journey in Oklahoma, here are three helpful places to start:

✅ CDA Training: Try the CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review by ChildCareEd. This online course covers 120 hours of formal training and helps you build your CDA portfolio.
✅ Resource & Renewal Training: Explore the CDA online trainings and OPDL-approved courses for Oklahoma providers to meet both pre-service and annual training requirements.
✅ Helpful article to read: Check out “Unlock Your Early Childhood Education Career with a CDA Credential” on ChildCareEd to learn about career benefits and how the CDA meshes with Oklahoma’s system.

Additional Considerations

While the CDA credential is valuable, it only covers part of what’s needed for some professional roles. For example, to teach in public schools (four-year-olds and younger), you also need a bachelor’s degree and other certification steps.
Renewal is required every three years, and ongoing training is part of staying in compliance with Oklahoma’s OPDL system.
If you plan to advance to director-level roles, additional credentials or certificates (such as the Oklahoma Director’s Credential) might be required.

Conclusion

Earning a CDA credential in Oklahoma is a smart, strategic step if you’re serious about working in early childhood education. It provides national recognition, aligns with Oklahoma’s professional #development and licensing system, and opens doors to roles ranging from preschool teacher to master teacher — and even public school teaching for young children.

With accessible, CECPD-approved online courses from providers like ChildCareEd, the path to CDA certification is more achievable than ever. If you’re ready to commit to a meaningful, rewarding career supporting young children and families, the CDA could be your next move.

Start your journey today with ChildCareEd’s CDA training — and take the first step toward a brighter future in early childhood education.

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