Maintaining Your CDA Credential: Renewal Requirements and Tips - post

Once you’ve achieved the CDA Credential, maintaining it is essential to staying up-to-date with best practices in child #development. In this article, we’ll cover the requirements for CDA renewal, tips for fulfilling these requirements, and how maintaining your credential can benefit your #career.

CDA Renewal Requirements

The CDA Credential is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed every five years. Renewal requires additional training, verification of work experience, and a recommendation from an #early-childhood-education professional who can attest to your ongoing qualifications and commitment.

Complete Professional Development and Training Hours

Renewal candidates must complete 45 hours of additional #early-childhood education training in the same area of specialization as their original credential. This training should focus on current practices in early childhood education, allowing you to stay informed about the latest research, methodologies, and tools in child development.

Maintaining a Professional Portfolio

Just like during the initial application, a professional portfolio is required for renewal. This portfolio should demonstrate your continued #growth, including updated work samples, new goals, and a fresh competency statement reflecting your professional evolution since the initial credential.

Benefits of Renewal: Staying Competitive and Committed

Maintaining your CDA Credential shows employers and families that you’re committed to providing quality care and that you’re up-to-date with the latest standards in early childhood education. Regularly renewing your credential can help you stay competitive, open doors to advanced roles, and enhance your professional reputation in the field.

Renewing the CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential is essential for several reasons, particularly in a field that constantly evolves to incorporate new research and best practices in early childhood education. Here are key reasons for renewing the CDA Credential:

Stay Updated with Best Practices in Child Development

Early childhood education is an evolving field with ongoing research that affects how children are cared for, taught, and supported in their early years. Renewing the CDA helps ensure that educators are keeping current with these best practices, new methodologies, and tools for effective teaching.

Maintain Professional Competence and Standards

Renewal requires ongoing professional development, reinforcing educators' skills and competencies. This continued learning helps educators remain effective and knowledgeable, ensuring that they maintain a high standard of care and education for children. It’s a mark of professionalism to stay qualified and certified, showing that you’re dedicated to your role as a childcare provider.

Meet Employer and Licensing Requirements

In many states and educational settings, having an up-to-date CDA Credential is a requirement for certain positions. Some employers or licensing bodies may expect educators to demonstrate that they’re keeping their credential current as proof of their competence and commitment to the role. Maintaining this certification can be vital for staying employed in licensed early childhood education programs.

Demonstrate Commitment to Career Growth

Renewing the CDA shows that you’re invested in your career and willing to grow alongside it. This is important not only for personal and professional satisfaction but also because it highlights to employers, families, and colleagues that you take your role seriously and strive for excellence. This dedication can lead to career advancement opportunities, such as leadership roles or specialized positions in early childhood education.

Ensure Ongoing Eligibility for Higher-Level Opportunities

Many advanced roles in early childhood education and administration look for professionals with current certifications. By renewing the CDA, educators position themselves for future growth and opportunities, keeping options open for moving into positions that require additional expertise or advanced qualifications.

Regular renewal of the CDA Credential demonstrates a commitment to high standards, professional growth, and providing quality care to children—a key benefit not only to educators themselves but also to the children and families they serve.