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.

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!
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
Press ReleasesCouncil for Professional Recognition Says New Federal Support Needed for Early Childhood Education at Critical TimeWASHINGTON, DC — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® Credential™ (CDA)®, says proposed ...Read More
BlogGetting the Most from your Professional DevelopmentSPONSORED BLOG Whether you’re embarking on professional development (PD) to meet state requirements, or you want to invest in your own growth, PD has a number ...Read More
BlogCelebrating a Million Strong: The CDA Milestone in Early Childhood EducationIn the world of early childhood education, there’s a remarkable achievement that more people should know about – earning a Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™. The ...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

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!