A Legacy of Excellence in Early Childhood Education
Welcome to the official celebration hub for two monumental milestones in early childhood education! This year marks:
- 50 years of the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ – the most widely recognized credential in the ECE field.
- 40 years of the Council for Professional Recognition, empowering ECE professionals around the word.
These anniversaries represent a legacy of excellence, commitment, and the transformative impact on early childhood educators and generations of young learners.
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Inspiring the Future
In 1975, the first CDA® credential was awarded, igniting a movement to ensure the highest standards in early childhood education. Over the decades, the CDA has become the “best first step” for more than 1 million educators.
The Council, founded in 1985, continues to champion the professional growth of early childhood educators, fostering a future where every child has access to high-quality learning experiences.
This year, we celebrate not just the milestones of the CDA and the Council but also the dedication of the educators, families, and children who make this journey possible.
What’s Happening in 2025?
Get ready for an inspiring year filled with events, campaigns, and initiatives:
- Anniversary-Focused Website: Explore stories, resources, and exciting updates.
- Renewal Amnesty: Opportunity to renew an expired credential from as far back as 2020.
- Commemorative Anniversary Merchandise: Demonstrate unique ways to celebrate the CDA.
- Special Events: Join us at key celebrations honoring the CDA, the Council, and the 60th anniversary of Head Start. Stay tuned for updates and be part of the conversation!
Why the CDA® Credential Matters
The CDA is more than a credential—it’s a commitment to excellence. With its core competency standards, the CDA equips early childhood educators with the knowledge and skills needed to shape young minds. It’s the foundation of a career that makes a lasting impact on children, families, and communities.
Join the Celebration
Together, we’ve accomplished so much, but there’s more to do. Let’s honor the legacy of the past 50 years and inspire the next generation of early childhood educators to take the CDA credential forward.
- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our monthly CounciLINK newsletter to follow our updates, join our events, and celebrate with us.
- Stay engaged: Follow us and share your story on our social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. How has the CDA impacted your life?
- Join Our CDA Community: Join the Council Alumni Network (CAN) to enhance your network and shape your journey and the journey of others.
- Register to Attend the Early Educators Leadership Conference (EELC)
Learn more with these helpful resources:
Contact Us
For more information or media inquiries, email us at news@cdacouncil.org or subscribe to our monthly newsletter CounciLINK.
Let’s celebrate the dedication, passion, and excellence that defines the Child Development Associate® credential and the Council for Professional Recognition. Together, we’re building a brighter future for early childhood education!