120 Hours of CDA Training

CDA applicants must complete 120 hours of training for professional early childhood education. Training must include at least 10 hours in each the CDA’s eight subject areas:

1. Planning a safe and healthy learning environment  
2. Advancing children's physical and intellectual development  
3. Supporting children's social and emotional development  
4. Building productive relationships with families  
5. Managing an effective program operation  
6. Maintaining a commitment to professionalism  
7. Observing and recording children's behavior 
8. Understanding principles of child development and learning  

CDA Credential Process

1. Step 1: 120 Hours of CDA Training
2. Step 2: Work Experience
3. Step 3: ​Professional Portfolio
4. Step 4: ​Apply for the CDA Credential
5. Step 5: ​Verification Visit & CDA Exam​

Refer to pages 8-9 in the CDA Competency Standards Book. ​

We offer 2 choices for completing the 120 hours of CDA Training:

• Option #1: CDA Virtual Classroom

• Option #2: Nexport Campus CDA Training

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