A University of Cincinnati student converses in a study lounge

Advance your knowledge and develop your credibility as a childcare provider!

What is a CDA?

The Child Development Associate Credential™ is a distinguishing credential for Early Childhood Education (ECE) professionals who want to build their career in the Early Childhood Education industry.

Earning a CDA demonstrates to employers your competence in nurturing children's emotional, physical, and social development within the Early Childhood Education grade band, which can help advance one's career. 

You are able to choose your focus from one of the following areas:  

  • Infant / Toddler
  • Family Child Care
  • Preschool
The class was well organized and easy to navigate. The instructor was always willing to help if I needed help. In addition, the instructor always gave good feedback on assignments. The classes were set up for working adults to complete the courses.

Erin Durbin

Young preschool students work together in a classroom

Why a CDA Workshop?

The University of Cincinnati is proud to host a 28 week Online CDA Training Workshop. Child care providers can complete the CDA training workshops 100% online. These workshops will help you meet the National CDA Council requirements of 120 hours of Ohio "Step to Quality" approved training. Our training is 100% online and provides an opportunity to earn nine credit hours applied towards our Associate in Early Childhood Education Degree (Birth-Age 5). Questions? Please contact Kathleen Bryan at Kathleen.Bryan@uc.edu

The online CDA program through the University of Cincinnati has the best CDA program I have found! The administration, the teachers, and the content of the CDA program are exceptional. I can always tell the teachers are completing their assignments and are learning because it starts to show in their performance in my classrooms.

Wynter Kirkbride (Administrator)

A preschool classroom

Earn A Scholarship!

The T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship helps compensate child care professionals while taking CDA courses that can assist with tuition, books, and educational expenses. If you are in Ohio, you may be eligible for a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship which pays 80% of your workshop tuition. Please contact Shamell Hutchins at shutchins@occrra.org for information regarding eligibility for T.E.A.C.H. scholarship opportunities. Applying for a T.E.AC.H. is a separate application than this workshop registration.