Important CDA® Price Update:

Effective August 1, 2025 there will be a price increase for both the initial CDA application and CDA renewal application. Click here to learn more and explore our FAQs.

If you have additional questions, please contact Customer Support at 800-424-4310 or email us at CDAfeedback@cdacouncil.org. Thank you!

BlogHonoring Resilience, Celebrating Identity: A Spotlight on Thia Fox During the Month of the Military ChildAt the Council for Professional Recognition, we celebrate April as the Month of the Military Child—a time to recognize the resilience, adaptability, and global perspective that ...Read More
Press ReleasesStatement from the BoardFROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Council for Professional Recognition Statement Regarding Threats to Head Start Funding As the Board of Directors of the Council for Professional ...Read More
BlogNational Child Abuse Prevention Month: Ensuring the Protection and Well-being of Young ChildrenA Shared Responsibility in Protecting Children  Children’s well-being has always been the focus of attention in the early childhood field. However, the abuse and neglect of ...Read More
BlogSpecial Interview with Dr. Robert LeeThe Early Educators Leadership Conference (EELC) is an opportunity for ECE leaders to network and learn from one another. During EELC 2024, the Council engaged several ...Read More
BlogCelebrating the Council for Professional Recognition’s 40th Anniversary: A Story of Impact and LeadershipMarch 2025 marks a milestone for the Council for Professional Recognition’s 40th anniversary. While we recognize early childhood educators’ invaluable contributions every day, this month is ...Read More
BlogHonoring National Developmental Disabilities Awareness MonthMarch is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to highlight and celebrate inclusive early childhood programs where children and families are thriving. The Council for ...Read More
BlogSpecial Interview with Dr. Kim KrzanowskiThe Early Educators Leadership Conference (EELC) is an opportunity for ECE leaders to network and learn from one another. During EELC 2024, the Council engaged several ...Read More
Press ReleasesCouncil for Professional Recognition Announces New Board MembersWASHINGTON, DC — The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit organization that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential, is ...Read More

Who We Are

Our History

Back in the early 1970s, a group of early childhood pioneers convened to think about how to improve the quality of early care and education. Their solution was to create a new credential based on competence in the early childhood field.

Our Stories

Members of our community work in all types of early childhood education programs serving children from birth to 5 years old. Our educators’ stories reveal their wit, wisdom and wonderful sense of devotion to our youngest children.

Where We Are Now

The Council has issued more than one million CDA credentials to date. We’re now expanding our reach across the globe, and there’s a world of ways for you to be part of our success!