What is the CDA Certification? A Beginner’s Guide

Training for Child Care Providers

CDA Certification

Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle

$85

Are you currently working in an Alabama child care center and looking to meet your 12-hour annual training requirement? Then you’re ready for this all-in-one annual training bundle!

Our Alabama 12 hour Annual Training Bundle offers a streamlined way to complete your yearly in-service training as required by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. This bundle includes interactive courses in health and safety, child development, positive guidance, emergency preparedness, language development, and more.

Stay compliant, build your professional knowledge, and maintain your eligibility to work in licensed child care programs across Alabama—all at your own pace.

✅ Fulfills the 12-hour annual in-service training requirement for center-based child care workers
✅ Approved for Alabama DHR compliance
✅ Ideal for renewing licenses and maintaining employment in regulated child care centers

Healthy Habits from the Start
Language Development in Early Childhood
Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
Stay Alert! Steps to Emergency Prep Online Version
Viewing Guidance in a Positive Light

Alabama 20- Hour Annual Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Home Licensee

$140

Are you an Alabama family or group day care home licensee looking to fulfill your 20-hour annual training requirement? Then you're ready for this comprehensive, home-provider-focused training bundle!

This Alabama Licensee Annual Training Bundle is tailored exclusively for licensed providers operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 20 clock hours of annual training required by the Alabama DHR and covers all six mandated training areas. Whether you're renewing your license, preparing for inspection, or enhancing the quality of care in your home program, this bundle ensures you're in full compliance and growing professionally.

🎯 What’s Included in This Bundle:

✅ Child Development
✅ Health and Safety
✅ Positive Guidance & Discipline
✅ Language and Literacy Development
✅ Family Communication

✅ Why Choose This Bundle?

Aligned with Alabama DHR Family and Group Day Care Home Licensing Standards
Designed specifically for home-based child care providers
Flexible, online, self-paced access

You're Not My Friend Anymore: Learning Conflict Resolution
Working Together: Teachers & Preschoolers
The Right Kind of Influence for Young Children
Supporting Little Hearts: Divorce and Separation in the Child Care Setting
Supporting Families and Caregivers in Language and Literacy
Play, Learn, Grow Online Version
Nutrition Essentials for Child Care Providers
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education
Building Bridges for Dual Language Learners
Building a Community of Families

Alabama 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle for Family/Group Day Care Homes

$185

Are you planning to open a licensed family or group day care home in Alabama? Do you need to complete your 24 hours of preservice training? Then you’re ready for this specialized training bundle!

This Alabama Family/Group Day Care Homes 24- Hour Preservice Training Bundle is tailored for prospective licensees operating family or group day care homes. It meets the 24-hour preservice training requirement set by Alabama DHR and includes focused modules on child development, universal precautions, nutrition, licensing regulations, and family communication.

Whether you’re preparing to launch your own in-home child care business or updating your credentials, this training will guide you through every essential topic to ensure a successful and compliant start.

✅ Satisfies the Alabama DHR 24-hour preservice training requirement for new licensees
✅ Covers all six required training areas
✅ Perfect for new child care entrepreneurs and home-based provider.

Grow with Me: Child Development for Mixed Ages
Administering Basic Health and Safety ONLINE
Community and Family Engagement in Childcare
Language Development in Early Childhood
Staying Positive: Guidance for Preschoolers
DAP for Family Child Care
Business Planning: Family Child Care
Let’s Talk: Effective Communication
A Watchful Eye: Supervision in Early Childhood
Baby Play: Planning Infant and Toddler Activities

image in article What is the CDA Certification? A Beginner’s Guide If you've heard about the CDA and feel confused about what it is, you're not alone. The Child Development Associate (CDA) is a unique certification designed specifically for #early-childhood- #educators. Let’s clear up the confusion and explain why the CDA is important for your #career.

What is the CDA Certification?

The CDA Certification, officially called the Child Development Associate Credential, is a professional certification for individuals working in #early-childhood education. It is NOT an associate degree, but it is recognized nationally as a credential that demonstrates competency in child care and #early-education.

What Makes the CDA Unique?

Unlike an associate degree, which is an academic program typically completed at a college over two years, the CDA focuses on hands-on experience and practical training in #early-childhood-education. It requires candidates to complete:

120 hours of formal education in child #development topics.
480 hours of work experience with children in a specific age group.
A professional portfolio that showcases your work.
An observation conducted by a CDA Professional Development Specialist.
A written exam to test your knowledge.

Upon completion, you’ll receive a nationally recognized CDA Credential that’s valid for three years.

Why is the CDA Important?

The CDA Certification is often a stepping stone for advancing your #career-in-early-childhood-education. It helps you:

Build Credibility: A CDA demonstrates your knowledge and skills in providing high-quality child care.
Meet Job Requirements: Many employers require or prefer a CDA for positions like #lead #teacher, assistant teacher, or family child care provider.
Improve Child Outcomes: The training equips you to better support children’s learning, #safety, and development.

Who Should Get a CDA?

If you’re working with young children in a child care center, family child care #home, or #preschool setting, the CDA is for you. It’s also beneficial for professionals in programs like Head Start, where the CDA is often required.

CDA Areas of Specialization

The CDA Certification is offered in multiple settings to cater to your specific role in child care:

Center-Based Preschool: Working with children ages 3-5.
Center-Based Infant/Toddler: Focusing on children birth to age 3.
Family Child Care: For providers working in a home-based setting.
Home Visitor: Supporting families and children in their #homes.

How to Get Started with the CDA Certification

The journey to earning your CDA starts with finding the right training program. At CDACertification, we offer self-paced CDA training that meets the 120-hour requirement. Explore our CDA Training Programs here to get started.

Free Resources to Support Your Journey

Completing a CDA can feel overwhelming, but with the right resources, it becomes manageable. Check out our free Creating the CDA Portfolio Handbook on ChildCareEd to help with every step of building your professional portfolio.

Stay Informed with Expert Articles

Want to learn more about how a CDA can boost your career? Dive into our collection of articles, like this one: CDA Professional Portfolio Family Questionnaires. These resources are packed with actionable tips and inspiration.

Connect with the Child Care Community

Joining a network of like-minded professionals can make your CDA journey more enjoyable. Follow us on social media to stay updated on industry trends, get career tips, and find motivation:

Common Misconceptions About the CDA

To clarify some of the confusion:

It’s not an associate degree: The CDA is a certification, not a two-year academic degree.
It’s not just a certificate: The CDA is more comprehensive than a certificate you might earn from a short-term class.
It’s not limited to one job role: A CDA is versatile and applies to many early childhood education roles.

The CDA at a Glance

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to earn your CDA:

120 hours of training in early childhood topics.
480 hours of hands-on experience.
Completion of a professional portfolio.
An observation by a qualified specialist.
Passing a multiple-choice exam.

Take the First Step Today

Whether you’re new to early childhood education or looking to enhance your skills, the CDA Certification is an excellent way to advance your career. Start your journey today with CDA Training at CDACertification, and join a growing community of professionals committed to excellence in child care.

What is the CDA Certification? A Beginner’s Guide - post