Earn Your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

The CDA is the most widely recognized, portable credential for early childhood education professionals. For more information about the CDA credential, visit the Council for Professional Recognition.

Job seekers or career switchers interested in working in early childhood education should consider earning the CDA. Through the Child Care Initiative, Arlington County has recently revised the educational requirements for lead teachers in day care centers. Instead of requiring two years of college, lead teachers can hold a CDA credential in Arlington County. The CDA is also considered the best first step for child care professionals looking to enhance their skills, advance their careers, and continue their education.   

In order to earn the CDA, a candidate must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete 120 hours of training
• Obtain 480 hours of work experience
• Prepare a professional portfolio
• Complete an application
• Pass an exam
• Schedule and engage in a verification visit

For more information regarding the requirements to earn a CDA credential, visit the Council for Professional Recognition.

The Arlington Employment Center offers classes to prepare eligible Arlington residents for the CDA credential. In these classes, students complete the 120 hours of training, prepare the professional portfolio, and study for the exam. The Arlington Employment Center can provide guidance for completing the application and scheduling the exam and verification visit.  

In order to enroll in the CDA program, you must have a high school diploma or GED, work authorization, ability to pass a background check, and a high intermediate English reading and writing level in order to take CDA classes.

For more information regarding background check requirements, visit the Child Care VA website. 

The CDA program is FREE for Arlington residents who meet household income eligibility limits and the requirements listed above.

Tuition ranges from $300 to $900 for those who do not meet the Arlington residency or household income eligibility limits.

Please complete the CDA Program Interest Form to learn more.

It depends. Please complete the CDA Program Interest Form to learn more.

Space in the program may be available. Please complete the CDA Program Interest Form to learn more.

Registration for the program will start in November.

To be placed on the waitlist, complete these three steps:

1. Watch this video to learn more about the program.
2. Complete the CDA Program Interest Form.
3. Check your e-mail - a staff member will contact you within 5 business days.

If you are eligible for the program, you will be placed on a waitlist, and a staff member will contact you closer to the registration date.

Send us an e-mail at cda.aec@arlingtonva.us.