Professional Development

Child Care Aware of North Dakota currently has CDA Scholarships!

You must have completed your CDA Council training requirements before being awarded a scholarship. CDA Training Requirement: 120 hours of formal early childhood education training, with no fewer than 10 training hours in each of the eight CDA® subject areas. Renewing CDA: 45 clock hours of training. You can apply prior to completing the training requirement and a Professional Learning Specialist can advise you on meeting the training requirements to qualify for the scholarship. This scholarship is for those who have not already paid their CDA application fee or renewal fee. We have purchased credits with the CDA Council for participants to use at the time of checkout on the CDA Council website. We are not able to reimburse those who have already paid the fee. 

Child Development Associate® (CDA) 

The CDA National Credentialing Program is a professional development opportunity for early educators working with children ages birth to 5 years old to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in the early childhood education field. The CDA credentialing program assesses Candidates using multiple sources evidence, including an exam, observation and professional portfolio with resources and competency statements prepared by the Candidate.

Aim4Excellence™ Director Credential

Aim4Excellence™ is an online national director credential for early childhood administrators. The credential focuses on the essential knowledge and skills you need to deliver high-quality programming for children. The online modules are designed to help you better manage the many tasks you juggle everyday as an early childhood director. The content is specific to your work and designed around your unique needs as a busy adult learner.