Child Development Associate (CDA)

Training Program

Program Overview

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early learning professionals as they work toward becoming highly-qualified teachers of young children.  The process to earning a CDA is a multi-step process involving continuing education, experience, and observation.

Once students successfully complete the Del Mar College Continuing Education CDA Program, students will have earned the required 120 training hours and completed the required portfolio.

Del Mar College offers both of the following Child Development Associate (CDA) Credentials:

• Infant Toddler, children 0 to 36 months of age
• Preschool, children 3 to 5 years of age

Course offerings

• Various of dates/times offered throughout the year

Course schedule

Admissions Requirement

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must have High School Diploma or GED
• Complete the CDA Training Program Acknowledgement online form 

CDA Credential Requirements

Del Mar College's CDA program is here to help prepare students earn a CDA credential. Students must complete all items below before earning their CDA credential.
  

• Successfully complete 120-hour CDA Continuing Education training with no fewer than 10 training hours in each of the eight CDA subject areas.
• Complete CDA portfolio.
• Complete 480 training hours within three (3) years at a child care facility.
• Submit application to the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program.

Testing information

Students who have meet all the CDA credential requirements will submit their application to the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program.

For more information regarding the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, please visit the CDA Council website.

For more information on scholarships for the CDA Credentialing Assessment Fee, please visit the CDA Council's scholarship page.

Register for Continuing Education courses here