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.

BlogAchieve your CDA® Training Certification in Just One Year or Less: A Fast-Track Guide to Credential SuccessSPONSORED BLOG If you’re looking to boost your career and make a bigger impact in the lives of the little ones you teach, earning your Child ...Read More
BlogThe Value of the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ in Building a Quality Early Childhood Education WorkforceAs professionals dedicated to the advancement of early childhood education, we understand the critical role that a highly skilled and well-trained workforce plays in the development ...Read More
BlogExpanding Research and Psychometric Expertise at the Council for Professional RecognitionThe Council for Professional Recognition has long been a leader in quality in early childhood education, ensuring that educators meet the highest standards of competence and ...Read More
Published ArticlesLeading the Way for Men in Child Care: An Ode to Male Leadership in ECEMen’s involvement in early childhood education (ECE) is an endeavor worth promoting, supporting, and encouraging in both personal and professional life. The rationale is simple: young ...Read More
BlogCommitments and Constraints: Roadblocks to Certification in ECEThe Council wants to give our early childhood teachers a chance to tell their stories. So does Usma Mohamed, the Council’s VP of Brand Experience and ...Read More
Press ReleasesCouncil for Professional Recognition and Parents as Teachers National Center Partner to Increase Early Childhood Educators Earning the Home Visitor CDA CredentialWASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit organization that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential, and ...Read More
Press ReleasesCouncil for Professional Recognition and Latino Child Care Association of Maryland Support Spanish-Speaking Candidates for Child Development Associate® CredentialsWASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit organization that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential, and ...Read More
BlogWhy continuing education is a must for early childhood educatorsSPONSORED BLOG As summer winds down and back-to-school season approaches, preschool teachers everywhere are gearing up for another exciting year of guiding littler learners! Amid the ...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!