Professional Development

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. Candidates must complete 480 hours of professional work experience with young children and 120 hours of formal early childhood education training with no fewer than 10 training hours in each of the 8 CDA Subject Areas to qualify.

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.

Child Care Aware of North Dakota is no longer able to offer scholarships. Please reach out to ND DHHS Early Childhood Division for information on training bundle incentives and other opportunities.