Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is the most widely recognized in early childhood education. NECC’s Coaching to Completion model will help you expand your employment options, earn in-service credit hours, and hone your skills.
Visualize Your Path to Success
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate is the simplest, quickest, and most inexpensive way to further your career in early child care and education. Receiving your CDA can help you become a lead child care teacher or open your own licensed child care center in Nebraska. The certificate is also valid in all fifty states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Submit Interest for an Upcoming Session
Looking for an opportunity to advance your career, earn in-service hours, and open yourself up to incredible job opportunities? NECC’s Virtual CDA courses are now accepting applications!
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10 Week Session
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Day & Time Dependent on Course
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Virtual via Zoom
Ready to Earn Your CDA?
If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing their CDA credential through NECC, we would love to hear from you!
By filling out the form below, you will be added to a waitlist for upcoming NECC CDA credential courses. We look forward to meeting you!
FAQs
The timeline to get your CDA is flexible, but it normally takes less time than an Associates degree. Earning your certificate is also usually cheaper than taking college courses or earning a college degree.
Through NECC’s CDA Program, we prepare you for the exam, purchase the study book(s), earn your required professional development hours, build your portfolio binder, and much more.
You receive your CDA once you’ve passed your exam, completed your 120 hours of professional development, passed the review of your Professional Portfolio, and passed your Verification Visit.
The fee to apply for your CDA exam and assessment is $425. However, Nebraska offers scholarships to cover the cost.
Anyone working in an early childhood program in Nebraska who has completed the required documentation is eligible to apply for CDA Scholarship funds.
To participate in training, you must:
- Be at least 16 years of age AND/OR hold a high school diploma/G.E.D. and participate in an early child care class
- Be currently employed or volunteering in a child care center or family day home
- Complete Introduction to the CDA Process (offered online)
- Attend your designated CDA class and complete required assignments (new cohorts beginning every Summer and Fall)
Yes, NECC’s CDA Program is offered in English and Spanish!
If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing their CDA credential through NECC, we would love to hear from you!
By filling out the form below, you will be added to a waitlist for upcoming NECC CDA credential courses. We look forward to meeting you!