How to Earn Your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in Arkansas

If you're passionate about working with young children and seeking to start or advance your #career-in- #early-childhood-education, earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a smart and strategic move. Recognized nationwide, the CDA sets the foundation for high-quality #early-learning and is often a requirement for employment in many childcare settings.

For aspiring #early-childhood- #educators in Arkansas, the path to becoming CDA certified is both achievable and rewarding. This guide walks you through the process, requirements, and how to get started with flexible, online coursework through cdacertification.com.

Why Earn a CDA in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, there is increasing emphasis on ensuring children have access to high-quality #early-education. Many childcare providers and state-funded programs prefer or require #staff to hold a CDA credential, especially for #lead #teacher positions in infant/ #toddler or #preschool #classrooms.

Benefits of earning your CDA in Arkansas include:

• Increased job opportunities in licensed childcare centers, Head Start programs, and family childcare #homes.

• Professional recognition and credibility.

• Eligibility for state or federal grants and #career- #development incentives.

• Enhanced understanding of child development and effective teaching practices.

CDA Credential Types Available

In Arkansas, you can earn your CDA in one of the following settings:

• Preschool CDA: Working with children ages 3–5.

• Infant/Toddler CDA: Working with children ages birth–36 months.

• Family Child Care CDA: Caring for children in a home-based setting.

Steps to Earning Your CDA in Arkansas

Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the CDA credential, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Hold a high school diploma or GED.

• Have 480 hours of experience working with children in the age group you’re pursuing your CDA in (within the past 3 years).

• Complete 120 hours of formal #early-childhood-education training.

Complete the 120 Hours of CDA Training

This is where cdacertification.com can help you jump-start your journey. Their online CDA courses are:

• Self-paced and flexible, ideal for busy working professionals.

• Designed to meet the Council for Professional Recognition’s requirements.

• Available in Spanish and English, with support for building your Professional Portfolio.

Choose the course that fits your setting:

• Preschool CDA Training

• Infant/Toddler CDA Training

• Family Child Care CDA Training

Prepare Your Professional Portfolio

This includes a collection of your work samples, competency statements, and resource items. The CDA training program at #cdacertification.com provides guidance to help you build this step-by-step.

Apply to the Council for Professional Recognition

Once training and portfolio are completed, you’ll apply through the Council for Professional Recognition and pay the application fee.

Schedule the CDA Verification Visit and Exam

A Professional Development (PD) Specialist will observe your work with children and conduct a reflective dialogue. You’ll also schedule your CDA exam at a local testing center.

Arkansas-Specific Support

• The Arkansas Professional Development Registry (PDR) tracks your training and hours.

• T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Arkansas offers scholarships to cover CDA coursework and assessment fees.

• Many Arkansas community-based organizations provide mentoring or test prep support for CDA candidates.

Ready to Begin?

Your CDA credential opens doors to a meaningful, lasting #career-in #early-childhood education. With online, self-paced courses from cdacertification.com, Arkansas educators have a trusted partner to help them every step of the way.

👉 Enroll today and take the first step toward your CDA