The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early learning professionals as they work toward becoming highly-qualified teachers of young children. The process to earning a CDA is a multi-step process involving continuing education, experience, and observation.
Once students successfully complete the Del Mar College Continuing Education CDA Program, students will have earned the required 120 training hours and completed the required portfolio.
Del Mar College offers both of the following Child Development Associate (CDA) Credentials:
Infant Toddler, children 0 to 36 months of age
Preschool, children 3 to 5 years of age
Course schedule
Course Code
Course Name
CDEC 1007
Plan Safe Learning Environment
CDEC 1051
Advancing Children's Dev
CDEC 1051
Supporting Children's Dev
CDEC 1091
Build Relations with Families
CDEC 1010
Managing Child Care Operation
CDEC 2000
Commitment to Professionalism
CDEC 1094
Observe Record Child Behavior
CDEC 1008
Understand Child Learning
Admissions Requirement
Must be 18 years of age
Complete the form below:
CDA Credential Requirements
Del Mar College's CDA program is here to help prepare students earn a CDA credential. Upon completing all CDA classes offered by DMC, students must complete all items below before earning their CDA credential.
Successfully complete 120-hour CDA Continuing Education training with no fewer than 10 training hours in each of the eight CDA subject areas.
Complete CDA portfolio.
Complete 480 training hours within three (3) years at a child care facility.
Students who meet all the CDA credential requirements will submit their application to the Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program. From there, the council of the organization will work with the student to set up a proctored test to ensure they meet the CDA requirements.
For more information regarding the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, please visit the CDA Council website.
For more information on scholarships for the CDA Credentialing Assessment Fee, please visit the CDA Council's scholarship page.