Nebraska’s CDA Pathways
The Council for Professional Recognition administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) National Credentialing Program. The CDA Program is designed to assess and credential early childhood education professionals. The CDA credential is based on a core set of competency standards. There are four types of credentials: preschool, infant/toddler, family child care, and home visitor.
With the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential you can…
- Grow your career
- Meet state licensing requirements
- Boost your desirability in the field
- Demonstrate your dedication to early childhood education
- Implement developmentally appropriate best practices
- Showcase your certification to parents
The CDA Renewal Amnesty Program is back!
Has your CDA credential expired? The CDA renewal amnesty program provides an opportunity for anyone with a CDA expiration date as far back as January 1, 2020, to complete the renewal process and make their credential active again. The program is available from February 1, 2025, to July 31, 2025. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply!
Explore Nebraska’s CDA Pathways
There are multiple pathways to earning your Child Development Associate® (CDA) in Nebraska. On the tabs below you will find links to organizations and colleges that offer CDA programs, as well as additional resources to guide you.
Below is a list of NDE authorized organizations that have gone through the CDA Council alignment process.
| Organization | Delivery | Setting(s) |
| Early Learning Connection Professional Development Regions | In-Person | Contact regional coordinator |
| Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative*+ | Online/In-Person | Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care |
| ChildCareEd | Online | Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care |
| Quorum E-Learning* | Online | Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care |
| The Care Courses School | Online | Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care, Home Visitor |
| Child Development Education | Online | Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care |
| Prosolutions Training | Online | Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care |
| ContinuED | Online | Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care |
| Air Child Care Training Solutions | Online | Infant/Toddler, Preschool |
| Teachstone with CLASS | Online | Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care |
| CDAClass.org | Online | Infant/Toddler, Preschool |
*Offered in Spanish
+Provides Coaching
Below are additional resources that will help you on your path to obtaining a CDA credential.
Helpful Links
- Council for Professional Recognition
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is administered through the Council for Professional Recognition.
- CDA Process Overview
A step-by-step overview of the Council for Professional Recognition’s CDA credentialing process.
- Nebraska Extension Early Childhood Development (PD Specialist)
Nebraska Extension has partnered with the Council for Professional Recognition and the Penn State Extension Better Kid Care team to support Nebraska’s early childhood workforce. Access their list of PD Specialists that can complete infant, toddler and preschool verification visits.
- Schedule Your CDA Exam
CDA Candidates who have applied to the Council for Professional Recognition and have received a ready to schedule notice may schedule their CDA Exam through Pearson.
Scholarship Info
- T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® CDA Scholarship
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Nebraska provides scholarships to help early care and education professionals complete coursework at a local college and work toward a degree in Early Childhood Education. Scholarships are available for Associates Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees and the newly added CDA. T.E.A.C.H. pays 90% of the cost of the college classes required to obtain the CDA, including textbooks. These classes cover 120 clock hours towards the CDA and will transfer towards an associate degree in early childhood education. T.E.A.C.H. pays a $250 bonus and helps pay for the application packet once coursework is complete. - NDE CDA Scholarship Project
The CDA Scholarship Project provides individuals working in early childhood care and education programs in Nebraska the opportunity to apply for funds to assist with the costs of achieving a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Funds for this project come from the federal Child Care and Development Fund and may be used for the initial assessment or renewal fees. The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Office of Early Childhood administers this project.
Looking for guidance in choosing the right CDA pathway for you?
Reach out to Nebraska’s CDA Navigator for personalized assistance!
Aimee Hoes
ahoes@esu3.org
402-853-1800