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
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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
BlogMessages from the MoviesMy mom called me up some years ago to praise a movie about a pig. As she began to mimic the pig’s squeaky little voice, I ...Read More
Press ReleasesCouncil for Professional Recognition Releases New Guidance for Early EducatorsWASHINGTON — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit organization that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential, has released ...Read More
Press ReleasesCouncil for Professional Recognition Congratulates Khari Garvin on his Appointment as National Director of the Head Start ProgramWASHINGTON, DC — The Council for Professional Recognition congratulates Khari Garvin on his appointment as the new Director of the Office of Head Start at the ...Read More
Press ReleasesCouncil for Professional Recognition Announces New Board ChairWASHINGTON — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit organization that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential, is pleased ...Read More
Published ArticlesOPINION: Male Educators in the Child Care WorkforceWritten by Calvin E. Moore, Jr., Ph.D. The pandemic had a devastating economic impact on the educators who care for America’s children. A large percentage overcame ...Read More
Published ArticlesOPINION: What do early child care workers need? Better pay, more respect and a few good menWritten by Calvin E. Moore, Jr., Ph.D. Post pandemic, let’s recruit, regroup and create better working conditions for all In an ideal world, early childhood education ...Read More
BlogBoosting Brains by Building a Parent NationIt takes a village to raise a child, the old proverb tells us. But we need to expand our perspective, according to pediatric surgeon, social scientist ...Read More
Press ReleasesCouncil for Professional Recognition Joins the Thrive CoalitionWASHINGTON — The Council for Professional Recognition, a non-profit organization that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential, has joined ...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 800,000 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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