Ready to take your #early-childhood-education #career to new heights in Vermont? Discover how earning your CDA (Child Development Associate) credential can help you cultivate success—and #nurture young learners—with purpose and pride.
In Vermont, the CDA is not just a credential—it’s a recognized step on the state’s Early Childhood Career Ladder and is the only portable, nationally acknowledged credential within Vermont’s professional #development system CDA CouncilNational CDA Training+6Northern Lights at CCV+6Care Courses+6. For those working in Head Start programs, the Infant/Toddler CDA meets essential qualification standards Northern Lights at CCV+1. By earning your CDA, you join a community of skilled #educators committed to child development excellence across the state.
The Vermont process aligns with national standards, including:
Completing 120 hours of formal #early-childhood education training, focused on your chosen age group.
Gaining 480 hours of professional work experience in that age group.
Developing a professional portfolio, collecting family references, and preparing for a verification visit.
Completing a CDA exam, now part of the new exam‑first approach effective August 1, 2025 National CDA Training+7VTC CEWD+7ProSolutions Training+7Childcare Training Courses+9cdaclass+9DANB+9Wikipedia+1Care Courses+5CDA Council+5VTC CEWD+5Northern Lights at CCV.
Undergoing a verification visit conducted by a Council-certified PD Specialist, who observes, reviews, and reflects on your practice Wikipedia+2Northern Lights at CCV+2.
To prepare your application and navigate the process, check out our CDA FAQs: Applying for the CDA (All Ages).
Choose the credential that fits your professional setting and passion:
CDA: Infant/Toddler Credential – Ideal for supporting #growth in Vermont’s youngest learners.
CDA: Preschool Credential – Great for those teaching exploration and discovery in #preschool settings.
CDA: Family Child Care Credential – Perfect for educators providing care from #homes or small-group environments.
CDA: Home Visitor Credential – Tailored to professionals supporting families directly in their homes.
You’ve got solid options right here in Vermont:
ProSolutions Training – Offers online, Gold-Standard CDA courses for Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care, Home Visitor credentials, and CDA renewal—approved by Vermont’s Northern Lights Career Development Center cdaclassWikipedia+2CDA101+2Care Courses+2Northern Lights at CCV+2Northern Lights at CCV+3CDA Council+3Wikipedia+3cdaclass+5ProSolutions Training+5CDA Council+5.
Care Courses – Provides online CDA credential and renewal training accepted across Vermont Care Courses+2CDA Council+2.
National CDA Training – Uses scenario-based preparation for CDA exam readiness and application success National CDA Training+1.
Additionally, Vermont offers state funding assistance via grants for assessment fees through the Vermont Department for Children and Families—making CDA attainment more accessible CDA Council.
Identify which CDA specialization fits your setting in Vermont.
Choose a training provider (ProSolutions, Care Courses, or National CDA Training) that matches your learning needs.
Complete your required training hours and experience, then prepare and organize your portfolio.
Submit your application, pass your exam, and complete your verification visit.
Earn your CDA—and step forward in confidence as a qualified #teacher, caregiver, or educational #leader in Vermont.
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