If you're passionate about #early-childhood-education and looking to launch or advance your #career-in Utah, earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is one of the best decisions you can make. The CDA is nationally recognized and opens doors to greater job opportunities, higher pay, and the confidence that comes from a solid educational foundation.
Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience working with children, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about earning your CDA in Utah—and how cdacertification.com can help you every step of the way.
The CDA Credential, issued by the Council for Professional Recognition, is the most widely recognized credential in #early-childhood education. It is designed for #educators working with children from birth to age five in a variety of settings including #preschools, Head Start programs, family child care, and infant/ #toddler #classrooms.
Utah’s growing need for qualified #early-childhood-educators means there's high demand for professionals with a CDA. In fact, many child care centers and preschool programs in Utah require or strongly prefer applicants with this credential. Obtaining your CDA can help you:
Meet state licensing requirements
Qualify for higher-paying roles
Advance within your current organization
Gain professional credibility and confidence
There are four settings in which you can earn your CDA:
Choose the setting that best matches your current or future role.
You'll need to complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education, covering eight subject areas. cdacertification.com offers self-paced online coursework that fulfills this requirement:
These courses are accessible online 24/7 and are designed to meet the standards of the Council for Professional Recognition.
You must also complete 480 hours of work experience in your chosen CDA setting. If you're not currently employed in child care, look into volunteer or internship opportunities through Utah’s child care resource and referral agencies.
You’ll be required to compile a portfolio showcasing your work, including:
Reflective statements
Resource collection
Family questionnaires
The training courses at cdacertification.com help guide you through the portfolio preparation process, ensuring you’re fully ready.
Once your coursework and portfolio are complete, apply online at cdacouncil.org and pay the application fee. You’ll then be scheduled for a Verification Visit and a CDA Exam.
After completing your assessment, the Council will review your application and issue your CDA Credential if you’ve met all the requirements.
Utah offers several resources and possible funding opportunities to support you on your CDA journey:
Workforce Services Office: You may qualify for tuition assistance.
Care About Childcare: Connects caregivers to local support and professional #development resources.
TEACH Early Childhood Utah: Scholarship programs may be available for those pursuing their CDA.
At cdacertification.com, we’re committed to making the CDA process as simple, affordable, and supportive as possible. Our courses are:
Aligned with the Council’s CDA Competency Standards
Self-paced for flexible learning
Supported by expert instructors ready to answer your questions
➡️ Enroll in your CDA training today
If you're an early childhood educator in Utah, now is the perfect time to take the next step in your career. With accessible online training and support from cdacertification.com, earning your CDA has never been easier.