Child Development Associate (CDA) is someone who has successfully completed a CDA assessment and been awarded the CDA Credential™. 

Earning your CDA is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in Early Childhood Education (ECE).

CDAs are able to meet the specific needs of children and works with parents and other adults to nurture children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework. 

A CDA also demonstrates competence to meet the CDA Competency Goals through her/his work in a center-based, home visitor or family child care program.