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Nebraska’s CDA Pathways

CDA LogoThe 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

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

Listed below are colleges that offer a CDA Pathway.

College Delivery Setting(s)
Metro Community College*+ Online/In-Person Infant/Toddler
Little Priest Tribal College In-Person Infant/Toddler
Nebraska Indian Community College In-Person Infant/Toddler, Preschool
Central Community College Online/In-Person Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care
Northeast Community College Online/In-Person Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care
Penn State Better Kid Care Online Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care
Rasmussen College* Online Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care
AgriLife Extension Online CDA Renewals only

*Offered in Spanish
+Provides Coaching

Below are additional resources that will help you on your path to obtaining a CDA credential.


Helpful Links

  • CDA Process Overview
    A step-by-step overview of the Council for Professional Recognition’s CDA credentialing process.
  • 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
nde.cdanavigator@nebraska.gov
402-853-1800

Updated December 7, 2023 12:23pm