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.

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We’re here to help guide our CDA community through these challenging times with new policies, procedures, and tips. We’re committed to meeting your changing needs and those of a very precious population—our youngest children!

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Educator

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High School
Student

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Specialist

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Partner

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Parent / Guardian

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Community
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Blog, NewsMeet the Men of Early Childhood EducationOnly a small portion of early childhood educators are men, but their presence can make a powerful impact on children’s lives. Last month, we invited our ...Read More
BlogFive Reasons to Earn Your CDASPONSORED BLOG Whether you’re just starting out in the early childhood field, or you’ve been teaching for years, chances are you’ve heard the term CDA at ...Read More
Press ReleasesCouncil For Professional Recognition Awards 1 Millionth Child Development Associate® Credential™WASHINGTON, DC — The Council for Professional Recognition, which is awarding the 1 millionth Child Development Associate® Credential™ (CDA), believes this achievement strengthens the entire early ...Read More
Press ReleasesCouncil for Professional Recognition Believes Bill from Senators Warnock and Braun Could Decrease Teacher Shortage While Increasing CDA® Credential-HoldersWASHINGTON — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit organization that administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) CredentialTM, is committed to addressing the sector’s staffing shortage ...Read More
Press ReleasesUnderstaffed and Underpaid: Council for Professional Recognition Survey Highlights Early Childhood Educator Crisis and Possible SolutionWASHINGTON — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit organization that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) CredentialTM, finds that ...Read More
EventsFirst Aid and Infant and Child CPR RequirementThis session will provide details on the First Aid and Infant and Child CPR requirement. This session will go over how to determine if a training ...Read More
EventsThe Role of the ECE Reviewer & Verifier in the CDA® Renewal ProcessThe ECE Reviewer and Verifier play a key role in the CDA® Renewal Process. This session will go over the eligibility requirements and expectations of the ...Read More
EventsContinuing Your Professional Journey: Renewing Your CDA® CredentialNeed to renew your CDA? Don’t know where to start? This session is a great introduction to the CDA renewal process and will provide you with ...Read More
BlogPreparing for the New School YearSPONSORED BLOG Excitement. Jitters. Uncertainty. The new school year comes with a multitude of emotions and challenges — but thankfully there are things you can do ...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.

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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.

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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!

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