The Council for Professional Recognition

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 77 views

As the demand for high-quality early childhood education continues to grow, professionals in the field are seeking ways to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to providing exceptional care and education to young children. One widely recognized credential in the field is the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. But which organization awards this prestigious credential? In this article, we will explore the options and provide an in-depth look at the Council for Professional Recognition, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and Quorum eLearning.

The Council for Professional Recognition

The Council for Professional Recognition (CPR) is a non-profit organization that has been awarding the CDA credential since 1979. The CPR is dedicated to promoting excellence in early childhood education and has established a rigorous credentialing process to ensure that CDA holders possess the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to provide high-quality care and education to young children. The CPR's CDA credential is recognized nationwide and is considered a benchmark for excellence in the field.

To become a CDA holder, candidates must meet the CPR's eligibility requirements, which include having a high school diploma or equivalent, completing a CDA training program, and working in a child care setting for at least 480 hours. Candidates must also pass a written exam and complete a professional portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge and skills in areas such as child development, health and safety, and family relationships.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a leading organization in the field of early childhood education. While NAEYC does not award the CDA credential directly, it does provide resources and support to CDA holders and early childhood professionals. NAEYC's accreditation process is recognized as a gold standard in the field, and many CDA holders have used NAEYC's resources to enhance their knowledge and skills.

NAEYC's accreditation process is based on a set of standards that focus on areas such as curriculum, teaching and learning, and family and community relationships. NAEYC-accredited programs are recognized for their commitment to providing high-quality care and education to young children, and many CDA holders have used NAEYC's resources to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Quorum eLearning

Quorum eLearning is a leading provider of online training and education solutions for early childhood professionals. While Quorum eLearning does not award the CDA credential directly, it does provide CDA training and preparation programs that are designed to help candidates prepare for the CDA exam. Quorum eLearning's CDA training programs are based on the CPR's CDA credentialing process and are designed to provide candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the exam.

Quorum eLearning's CDA training programs are online and self-paced, making it easy for candidates to complete the training at their own pace. The training programs cover all of the CDA credentialing areas, including child development, health and safety, and family relationships. Quorum eLearning's CDA training programs are designed to be comprehensive and engaging, and many candidates have used them to prepare for the CDA exam.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Council for Professional Recognition (CPR) is the organization that awards the CDA credential. While the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Quorum eLearning do not award the CDA credential directly, they do provide resources and support to CDA holders and early childhood professionals. NAEYC's accreditation process is recognized as a gold standard in the field, and many CDA holders have used NAEYC's resources to enhance their knowledge and skills. Quorum eLearning's CDA training programs are designed to help candidates prepare for the CDA exam and are based on the CPR's CDA credentialing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the CDA credential? A: The CDA credential is a widely recognized credential in the field of early childhood education that demonstrates a professional's knowledge, skills, and competencies in areas such as child development, health and safety, and family relationships.
Q: Who awards the CDA credential? A: The Council for Professional Recognition (CPR) awards the CDA credential.
Q: What is the eligibility requirement for the CDA credential? A: Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a CDA training program, and work in a child care setting for at least 480 hours.
Q: What is the CDA exam? A: The CDA exam is a written exam that is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge and skills in areas such as child development, health and safety, and family relationships.
Q: What is the CDA credentialing process? A: The CDA credentialing process involves meeting the eligibility requirements, completing a CDA training program, passing the CDA exam, and completing a professional portfolio that demonstrates a candidate's knowledge and skills.

References

Council for Professional Recognition. (2022). CDA Credentialing Process.
National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2022). Accreditation Process.
Quorum eLearning. (2022). CDA Training Programs.

About the Author

As the demand for high-quality early childhood education continues to grow, professionals in the field are seeking ways to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to providing exceptional care and education to young children. One widely recognized credential in the field is the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the CDA credential.

Q: What is the CDA credential?

A: The CDA credential is a widely recognized credential in the field of early childhood education that demonstrates a professional's knowledge, skills, and competencies in areas such as child development, health and safety, and family relationships.

Q: Who awards the CDA credential?

A: The Council for Professional Recognition (CPR) awards the CDA credential.

Q: What is the eligibility requirement for the CDA credential?

A: Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a CDA training program, and work in a child care setting for at least 480 hours.

Q: What is the CDA exam?

A: The CDA exam is a written exam that is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge and skills in areas such as child development, health and safety, and family relationships.

Q: What is the CDA credentialing process?

A: The CDA credentialing process involves meeting the eligibility requirements, completing a CDA training program, passing the CDA exam, and completing a professional portfolio that demonstrates a candidate's knowledge and skills.

Q: How long does it take to complete the CDA credentialing process?

A: The length of time it takes to complete the CDA credentialing process varies depending on the individual candidate. However, most candidates complete the process within 6-12 months.

Q: What are the benefits of earning the CDA credential?

A: Earning the CDA credential can provide numerous benefits, including:

Increased earning potential
Enhanced career opportunities
Improved job satisfaction
Increased confidence in your abilities
Recognition as a professional in the field of early childhood education

Q: Can I earn the CDA credential if I have a degree in early childhood education?

A: Yes, you can earn the CDA credential even if you have a degree in early childhood education. The CDA credential is designed to be a professional credential that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in the field, regardless of your educational background.

Q: Can I earn the CDA credential if I work in a non-traditional setting?

A: Yes, you can earn the CDA credential even if you work in a non-traditional setting, such as a family child care home or a school-age program.

Q: How do I get started with the CDA credentialing process?

A: To get started with the CDA credentialing process, you will need to:

Meet the eligibility requirements
Complete a CDA training program
Pass the CDA exam
Complete a professional portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge and skills

Q: What resources are available to help me prepare for the CDA exam?

A: There are numerous resources available to help you prepare for the CDA exam, including:

CDA training programs
Study guides and review materials
Online courses and webinars
Practice exams and quizzes

Q: Can I retake the CDA exam if I don't pass?

A: Yes, you can retake the CDA exam if you don't pass. However, you will need to wait a certain amount of time before retaking the exam, and you may need to pay a retake fee.

Q: How do I maintain my CDA credential?

A: To maintain your CDA credential, you will need to:

Complete continuing education requirements
Meet the eligibility requirements
Complete a professional portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge and skills

Conclusion

Earning the CDA credential can provide numerous benefits, including increased earning potential, enhanced career opportunities, and improved job satisfaction. By understanding the CDA credentialing process and the resources available to help you prepare for the exam, you can take the first step towards achieving your career goals in the field of early childhood education.