Our Work
- Power to the Profession
  Learn about the collaborative initiative to advance a unified early childhood education profession.
- Advancing Equity Initiative
  Read about this initiative focused on equity in early childhood and find other equity-related content.
- Developmentally Appropriate Practice
  Read about NAEYC's DAP framework for high quality education.
- For Families
  Find research-based resources, tips and ideas for families—from child development to reading, writing, music, math, and more!
- Higher Education
  Search an ECE degree directory, explore professional standards, and join our community of practice.
- Public Policy and Advocacy
  Engage with our policy agendas, advocacy resources, and current initiatives.
- Global Engagement
  Learn about our work with governments and NGOs around the world to support young children and their teachers.
Resources
- Books
  Learn about and purchase the best books and resources to support young children's learning and development.
- Young Children
  Stay up to date with research-based, teacher-focused articles on birth to age 8 in our award-winning, peer-reviewed journal.
- Teaching Young Children
  Discover practical tips and innovative ideas for preschool teachers in our award-winning magazine.
- Professional Development
  Enhance your career and improve your knowledge, skills, and practices with our online training.
- Topics
  Explore key early childhood topics such Developmentally Appropriate Practice, play, and math.
- Blog
  Stay up-to-date on issues in early childhood education and hear perspectives from a wide range of educators.
- Position Statements
  Learn about NAEYC’s informed positions on significant issues affecting young children’s education and development.
Events
- Annual Conference
  Discover the latest research and best practices, and engage with our diverse community of professionals!
- Professional Learning Institute
  Ignite and fulfill your professional development goals!
- Public Policy Forum
  Join us at the members-only event and build your advocacy skills, expand your networks, and advance federal and state early childhood policy.
- Week of the Young Child
  Celebrate young children and their families with hands-on activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food, and art.
- Sponsor with NAEYC
  Find a sponsorship opportunity that’s right for you and help support early childhood educators, parents, and other professionals.
- Trainings & Webinars
  Deepen your professional knowledge wherever you are with NAEYC’s exciting webinar series and online and face-to-face training opportunities.
Accreditation
- Early Learning Program Accreditation
  Discover the benefits of early childhood accreditation, learn about the four step process, find support and resources for your program or login to the accreditation portal.
- Early Learning Accreditation Portal
  Login to the Early Learning Accreditation Portal to take charge of your accreditation process.
- Higher Education Accreditation
  Explore accreditation of early childhood higher education programs, discover the accreditation system standards, and view a list of accredited programs.
- Accreditation Research Databases
  Access accreditation data on early learning and higher education program characteristics and quality for research purposes.
Get Involved
- Learn about Membership
  Join your professional membership association, explore local Affiliates, and access unbeatable member benefits.
- Advance your Career
  Explore jobs in the Career Center and find higher education and professional development opportunities.
- Become an Advocate
  Develop grassroots efforts advancing early childhood in your community with these tools and resources.
- Join our Communities
  Say HELLO and discuss, network, and connect with our interest forums and online communities.
- Align with Us
  Support our mission and reach the NAEYC audience through your advertisement, conference exhibit booth, or sponsorship.
- Leadership Opportunities
  Become a leader in your professional association.
About Us
- People
  Read about NAEYC’s leadership, mission, values and beliefs, and strategic governance.
- Partner
  Become an organizational or corporate partner to inspire early childhood education at the local and national level.
- News and Updates
  Stay current on all things related to your professional association, from book releases to policy updates.
- Careers at NAEYC
  Join NAEYC’s team and help us advance the education of young children across the country.
- Donate
  Support access to high-quality early childhood education programs and opportunities and resources for educators.
- Contact Us
  Contact us with your questions-- we're here to help!
Search

Popular Searches: DAP; Coping with COVID-19; E-books; Anti-Bias Education; Online Store

CDA Candidates

Adult student smiling at computer screen

You are here

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is a widely recognized credential in early childhood education administered by the Council for Professional Development. The CDA Credential guides early child care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children. Obtaining a CDA is an important accomplishment and one that develops well informed practitioners knowledgeable in child development and best practices for teaching young children.

NAEYC has published many resources that support early childhood educators in their continued learning about best practices and the latest research in the early childhood field. NAEYC was a part of the original Child Development Associate (CDA) Consortium and we proudly continue to support and encourage the CDA credential. NAEYC provides many member benefits and membership options that support teachers in their continues learning such as:

Access to award winning print publications: Young Children and Teaching Young Children.
20% discount on all products in NAEYC's online store, including books, videos, brochures, posters, and more.
Reduced registration fees for NAEYC-sponsored conferences and training opportunities, including the world's largest early education conference.
Membership in your local and state NAEYC Affiliate.

View the entire list of Membership Benefits and select the membership plan that’s best for you. For more information about NAEYC Membership, be sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page
For more information on obtaining your CDA visit the Council for Professional Recognition website.
To support your continued learning, become an NAEYC member!

Documentation of Membership

NAEYC Members can submit a copy of their membership card (mailed within 4-6 weeks of joining) or a copy of their membership invoice from their member account as documentation of NAEYC membership.

Topics: Membership