The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is one of the most recognized milestones in early childhood education. The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) supports early childhood educators working toward their CDA. Qualified applicants may receive a payment voucher covering the CDA Assessment fee.
Who can apply?
Early childhood educators in New Mexico who are actively working toward their CDA credential and meet the application requirements are eligible for the ECECD assessment voucher. See if you qualify.
Where to Begin
Once you have determined that you qualify, visit the Council for Professional Recognition website. Their website outlines five steps to obtain your CDA, allows you to create your application account, and helps you locate a Professional Development (PD) Specialist.
5 steps to obtain your CDA: cdacouncil.org
- Prepare
- Show proof of high school education (diploma, GED, or enrollment as a junior/senior in a high school career/technical program in early childhood education)
- Complete 120 clock hours of professional early childhood education, including 10 hours in each of the Eight CDA® Subject Areas
- Log 480 hours of work experience with children in the age group matching your CDA type
- Complete Family Questionnaires and Professional Portfolio
- Apply
- Select a CDA Professional Development (PD) Specialist who will conduct your Verification Visit, and obtain their ID number
- Get your director’s permission and signature for your Verification Visit
- Apply online at cdacouncil.org/yourcda
- Demonstrate
Complete the Verification Visit and CDA® Exam within six months of your Ready to Schedule notice date
- Verification Visit: Schedule with your PD Specialist and confirm with your Director
- CDA® Exam: Schedule through Pearson VUE or by calling 1-866-507-5627 (Mon–Fri, 7am–7pm CST)
- Earn
- If your combined Verification Visit and CDA® Exam score meets the credentialing requirement, you will be awarded the CDA credential
- Renew
- The CDA credential is valid for three years. You can apply to renew up to 90 days before it expires through the Council’s website. Learn about CDA® renewal here.
Resources
- Council for Professional Recognition
- main website: https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/
- ECECD CDA Voucher Information
- Questions for Council for Professional Recognition: Email [email protected]
- CDA testing locations