This is a time of unrelenting hurdles for early childhood educators and the children and families they serve; the COVID-19 pandemic has created enormous public health and economic challenges for programs everywhere. As child care centers and family child care homes navigate being open with guidelines to protect health and safety, they need support to advocate for the funding, structures and policies that are critical to getting through this crisis. They need the collaboration of organizations, leaders and staff to think and work together in order to serve children, their members, stakeholders and the wider community. This is why the Council for Professional Recognition and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) have committed to strengthening our partnership to support the needs of early childhood educators globally. 

The mission of the Council is to promote improved performance and recognition of professionals in the early childhood education of children ages birth to 5 years old through the Child Development Associate Credential™. The CDA is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE.

NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. It advances a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

Both organizations are on the front lines advocating for policies and funding to provide the stability to the sector necessary to weather the storm.  But we need your voices and your advocacy!  Membership in a professional organization is critical to your professional progression and our collective power. NAEYC membership connects CDA holders to a community of early educators and provides access to the latest research around the science of early learning.  

NAEYC recognizes the significance of the CDA process to its members. The Council recognizes and credentials professionals who work with children--infants through preschool--in all types of early care and education settings including center-based, family childcare, and home visitor programs. The Council sets policies and procedures for assessment and credentialing. To date, more than 800,000 CDA credentials have been awarded around the world.

Together, the Council and NAEYC are a powerful force that make the sector stronger and more successful through advocacy and by highlighting the voice of early childhood educators.  

“I’ve long admired and respected the work of NAEYC and its collective vision: that all young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential. We already have many, many CDAs who are active and involved with NAEYC and we encourage further joint activities,” says Dr. Calvin Moore Jr., interim CEO of the Council. “Our joint commitment is to support and strengthen early childhood education as the field struggles to recover from this crisis — we don’t have a minute to waste.” 

“I am excited about our stronger connection to the Council and am eager to work closely with Dr. Moore on behalf of our entire field,” says Rhian Evans Allvin, CEO of NAEYC. “The Council works to ensure that all professional early childhood educators and caregivers meet the developmental, emotional, and educational needs of our nation’s youngest children. This is indeed the right time to strengthen our mutual interests in order to serve our field across the country.” 

NAEYC is included in the Council’s web page that highlights all of its partnerships; the information is located at www.cdacouncil.org/about/partnerships/cda-partners.