The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, administered by the Council for Professional Recognition, is a nationally recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and a critical first step on the path to higher education and career advancement. The creation of the CDA Professional Portfolio and 120 hours of professional development training on developmentally appropriate practices are two key requirements for earning the CDA. The CDA Professional Portfolio is comprised of a variety items and resources that illustrate a candidate’s knowledge of child development and support their future practice as a professional in the field. The CDA Resource Collection Items and Reflective Statements of Competence make up a significant portion of a candidate’s CDA Professional Portfolio.

Family child care providers who are interested in achieving their CDA Credential can easily access the supports for building their CDA Professional Portfolio while simultaneously completing their foundational courses in the Virtual Lab School (VLS). The VLS has intentionally embedded the required Resource Collection Items and Reflective Statements of Competence as Explore or Apply activities within the Family Child Care Track of our foundational courses. The VLS CDA Resources page will provide information and resources that will assist family child care providers in their preparation and application for the CDA Credential.