How do I earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential?

It is highly recommended that you spend some time looking through the Council for Professional Recognition’s website:  www.cdacouncil.org. You will find information about eligibility, the process of preparing and applying for the CDA Credential, the settings (infant/toddler, preschool, or family child care), the professional education in early childhood requirement, and assessment expectations. The Council for Professional Recognition is the national agency that manages and awards the CDA Credential.

When there is enough local interest, we offer the full 120 hours of CDA training, including assessment preparation.  Even when we are not offering classes, we can provide technical assistance support to those who are completing their final preparations prior to application.

Below is an incomplete list of links to Council for Professional Recognition-accepted online CDA coursework options:

Smart Horizons www.smarthorizons.org/naccrra/cccj/index2.html

Pro Solutions: www.prosolutionstraining.com/

Better Kid Care: bit.ly/bkc-access

You may be eligible for the Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development scholarship initiative.  The application is completed on NJCCIS: www.njccis.com.  Please contact them directly if you have questions regarding that application:

Customer Service Phone – 1-800-332-6512

Customer Service Email –

Have further questions regarding CDA? Contact Alli Storm, Child Care Connection’s director of training, at 609-989-7770 x139, or via .