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Early Childhood Development & Education

CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential Renewal Guidelines

 The Council for Professional Recognition awards a CDA credential to applicants meeting its criteria.  The initial credential is good for three (3) years.  It must then be renewed by meeting the renewal criteria of the Council, and thereafter be renewed every five (5) years.

 Renewal candidates must contact the Council (1-800-424-4310) and request a renewal packet.  Renewal candidates must:

  • Document proof of a current Red Cross or other agency First Aid certificate

  • Document proof of recent (within the current year) work experience with young children (a minimum of 80 hours)

  • Select an Early Childhood Education Professional to complete a Letter of Recommendation Form regarding the CDA's competence with young children

  • Document proof (within current year) of membership in a national or local early childhood professional organization

  • Document proof of at least 4.5 CEUs or a 3-credit course in early childhood education/child development

JCC courses that currently meet this requirement include:

  • ECE 127 Performing Arts & Young Children (1 credit)
  • ECE 128 Exploring Nature with Young Children (1 credit)
  • ECE 129 Emergent Mathematics (1 credit)
  • ECE 133 Program Management (3 credits)
  • ECE 144 Early Childhood Education
  • ECE 140 Early Childhood Guidance
  • ECE 142 Professionalism in Child Development
  • ECE 130 Emergent Literacy
  • ECE 131 Working with Infants and Toddlers
  • ECE 132 Working with Exceptional Children
  • PSY 245 Infancy/Childhood Psychology
  • ECE 150, 151, 152 Directed Teaching I, II, III (these are 2 credits each)
Important Note: If any of these courses were submitted to the Council when the candidate first applied for their CDA certificate or a previous renewal, they cannot be used again. The intent is continuing professional education and development.

Candidates wishing to use JCC courses other than those listed above should talk with the Council about their acceptance of the course (they will ask for information on course content and want assurance that the course is focusing on children ages 0-5 years).  Or they may contact me (517-524-7340, dlagardner@dmci.net) to discuss appropriateness. 

This information will be updated as new courses become available that meet the requirements for CDA renewal.

This information does not apply to students applying to the Council for a CDA certificate for the first time, or for those applying for a Second-Setting CDA certificate.