We Set the Standard for ECE Competence

The Council for Professional Recognition is a leader in the credentialing of early childhood educators worldwide. We ensure that candidates who earn our Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential are well prepared to foster the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of young children. Having a CDA® doesn’t just help educators bring out the best in children. It also advances their careers and contributes to the status of our profession.

Press ReleasesCouncil for Professional Recognition Unveils Renewed Vision and Mission for Early Childhood EducationWASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit organization that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential, proudly ...Read More
BlogCelebrating the Lunar New Year with Little Ones: Fun and Educational Activities for Children Under FiveHappy Year of the Dragon, educators and parents! Now that festivities have begun, this is a wonderful opportunity to introduce young children to the rich traditions ...Read More
BlogSetting Early Childhood Education Career GoalsSPONSORED BLOG The task of sitting down and writing out all of your early childhood education career goals can feel daunting. Where should you start? How ...Read More
BlogOn Prodigies and Potential: A Review of Suzuki by Eri HottaShinichi Suzuki believed that “all children have the ability at birth to become persons of high ability,” and held a “Grand Concert” to convince the world ...Read More
BlogKnow Before You Click: How to Protect Yourself Against Phishing ScamsTo our followers – We want to bring your attention to an important matter regarding communication from the Council for Professional Recognition. Recently, a Facebook account ...Read More
Press ReleasesCouncil for Professional Recognition Announces Two Early Childhood Education Leaders as New Board MembersWASHINGTON, DC — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit organization that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential, is pleased to ...Read More
Press ReleasesCouncil For Professional Recognition Says New Federal Support Means Even More CDA Credential-Holders Can Help Student Parents SucceedWASHINGTON, DC — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® Credential™, says the nation ...Read More
Press ReleasesCouncil For Professional Recognition Congratulates Abena Ocran- Jackson On Appointment To Certification Network Group (CNG)WASHINGTON, DC — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit organization that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential, congratulates Abena ...Read More

Who We Are

Our History

Back in the early 1970s, a group of early childhood pioneers convened to think about how to improve the quality of early care and education. Their solution was to create a new credential based on competence in the early childhood field.

Our Stories

Members of our community work in all types of early childhood education programs serving children from birth to 5 years old. Our educators’ stories reveal their wit, wisdom and wonderful sense of devotion to our youngest children.

Where We Are Now

The Council has issued more than one million CDA credentials to date. We’re now expanding our reach across the globe, and there’s a world of ways for you to be part of our success!