Day: October 1, 2025

Your CDA credential represents more than a milestone — it reflects the time, effort, and investment you’ve made in your education and career. For many early childhood professionals, maintaining an active CDA is also essential to qualify for certain job roles and leadership opportunities.

If your credential is nearing expiration (or has already expired), you’re likely wondering what to do next.

This guide is for early childhood professionals renewing a Preschool, Infant/Toddler, or Family Child Care CDA credential. We’ll walk you through the entire renewal process, explain the CDA renewal requirements, and help you feel prepared every step of the way.

If your CDA has already expired, don’t worry. You may still qualify for the Council’s CDA Renewal Amnesty Program, which can help you reinstate your credential without starting over.

The most important thing? Start now. Renewing takes time, but with the right plan, it’s absolutely manageable.

 

Getting Ready To Renew

Renewing your CDA credential takes some planning, but understanding the timeline and steps will help you feel confident as you move forward. Here are the key things to know as you prepare.

How often do I have to renew my CDA?

Your CDA credential must be renewed every three years. 

How do I know when my CDA expires?

Your CDA credential is valid for three years from the date it was awarded. You can find your expiration date printed directly on your credential certificate.

If you can’t locate your certificate or want to confirm your status, you can also log into your account at YourCouncil.org.

What if my CDA already expired?

If your CDA credential has expired, you still have options.

The CDA Renewal Amnesty Program allows eligible candidates to reinstate an expired credential without starting the entire process over. To qualify:

• Your CDA credential expiration date is January 1, 2020 or later.
• Complete all renewal requirements.
• Apply online on or before July 31, 2025 (11:59 PM EST).

To learn more, visit the Council’s Amnesty Program page.

When can I submit my CDA credential renewal application?

You can submit your CDA renewal application up to six months before the expiration date of your current credential. Your application must be submitted by the expiration date. There are no automatic extensions, and if you miss this window, you may need to restart the entire CDA credential process.

 

CDA Renewal Requirements

A renewal isn’t just paperwork — it’s a way for the Council to confirm that you’ve continued your professional development, stayed current on early childhood education best practices, and maintained your commitment to high-quality care and learning.

Because of this, renewing your CDA credential isn’t as simple as renewing a driver’s license. It takes more than filling out an application and paying a fee. Before you can apply, you’ll need to gather documentation showing that you’ve met all CDA renewal requirements.

Below is a table that gives a basic overview of the requirements. Under the table, we’ll go into each one in more detail.

Requirement	What’s Needed
Continued Professional Education	4.5 CEUs, or 3 college credits, or 45 clock hours of ECE/Child Development training
Professional Organization Membership	Proof of current membership in an approved early childhood organization
Continued Work with Children	At least 80 hours working with young children in your credential setting within the last year
ECE Reviewer Recommendation	Verified recommendation from an early childhood education professional
First Aid & CPR Certification	Current First Aid and Infant/Child (Pediatric) CPR certification

What is the CDA renewal education requirement?

The education requirement can be met by completing one of the following:

• 4.5 CEUs (Continuing Education Units),
• Three (3) college credit hours from an accredited college or university, OR
• 45 clock hours of training in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and/or Child Development.

Your training must:

• Be awarded by an organization recognized by the Council.
• Be completed after the issue date of your most recent CDA credential.
• Be relevant to the type of CDA credential you’re renewing (Preschool, Infant/Toddler, or Family Child Care).
• Not be a repeat of training used for your original CDA or previous renewals.

You will also need to provide documentation of the training that will be reviewed and approved by your Verifier (more details on this in the next section). 

Need training hours? CCEI’s online CDA renewal program is fully accepted by the Council and designed to fit your schedule. We offer flexible, self-paced learning that’s aligned with CDA requirements and even eligible for college credit

Who can serve as my Verifier?

Your Verifier is the person responsible for reviewing and confirming your training hours and membership documentation. You do not have to submit this documentation directly to the Council; you only need to have it verified. 

Your Verifier must:

• Be a staff person within your center or program who has the authority to review training records.
• Not be related to you or work alongside you as a daily co-teacher.
• Can be an education coordinator, center director, or assistant director at your center.

Your Verifier and ECE Reviewer (who reviews your 80-hour work requirement) can be the same person. See more details below about the ECE Reviewer requirement.

What counts as acceptable membership in a professional organization?

Staying connected to the early childhood education community is an important part of professional growth. For your CDA renewal, you’ll need to show that you are an active member of a recognized ECE organization, and there’s some flexibility in how you meet this requirement. Note that your Verifier will need to review and approve your membership (see section above for more details).

Membership must be current at the time you submit your CDA renewal application, and it can be either an individual membership or a center-based membership.

Acceptable forms of documentation include:

• Membership card
• Certificate of membership
• Letter from the membership organization’s official letterhead
• Receipt of payment of membership fees

Your membership documentation must include:

• The membership agency’s name
• The agency’s official seal or logo
• Your name or your center’s name
• The issue date and expiration date (or valid timeframe)

If you use a center membership: The center name must appear on the documentation. Memberships issued in another staff member’s name will not be accepted.

The Council does not accept the following memberships for renewal:

• State registry organization memberships
• Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
• Teachers’ unions
• Magazine subscriptions

What are some examples of acceptable professional organizations?

To meet the professional membership requirement, you can belong to national or local organizations such as NAEYC, HighScope, the National Head Start Association (NHSA), the Reggio Emilia Alliance, and Zero to Three. You can also view a longer list of options on the Council’s ECE Organizations page. 

How do I meet the work experience requirement?

You must have completed at least 80 hours of work with young children within the past year before submitting your renewal application.

The work must be:

• In the same setting as your credential (Preschool, Infant/Toddler, or Family Child Care).
• Verified by your ECE Reviewer.

Both paid and volunteer work can count toward this requirement.

As part of your renewal, you’ll need a recommendation from an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Reviewer — a qualified professional who can confirm that you have recent, firsthand experience working with children and continue to apply your skills in an early learning setting.

Who can be my ECE Reviewer?

The ECE Reviewer is the person who will verify your 80 hours of recent work experience and provide a formal recommendation for your renewal.

Your ECE Reviewer must:

• Be an early childhood education professional.
• Have firsthand knowledge of your work with children within the past year.
• Not be related to you or work alongside you as a daily co-teacher.

Acceptable ECE Reviewer roles include:

• Education coordinator,
• Center director or assistant director,
• Co-worker (outside your classroom),
• Member of a professional early childhood organization.

What kind of First Aid and CPR certification do I need?

You must have two current certifications:

1. First Aid certification
2. Infant and Child (Pediatric) CPR certification

Both must be issued by a nationally recognized provider (such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association) and include the training agency’s name, official logo, your name, issue and expiration dates, and instructor signature.

Online-only courses and certifications from individual consultants are not accepted. If you take a combined course, make sure it provides separate certificates or cards for First Aid and CPR.

 

How to Apply for CDA Renewal

Once you’ve gathered all your documentation and confirmed that you meet the renewal requirements, it’s time to submit your application. Most early childhood professionals choose the online renewal process because it’s faster and easier to manage.

How do I renew my CDA online?

To apply online, you’ll use the YourCouncil system. 

1. Visit yourcouncil.org and log in. 
2. Once logged in, select CDA Renewal and click “Create New CDA Renewal Application.”
3. Follow the prompts to complete your application and submit payment.

What documents do I need for my CDA online renewal?

To complete the online renewal application, you’ll need:

• Your ECE Reviewer’s email address.
• Your Verifier’s email address.
• Scanned copies of your First Aid and Infant/Child (Pediatric) CPR certificates (PDF or JPG format).

How do I pay for my CDA renewal online?

You can pay the renewal processing fee by credit card or voucher number issued by a sponsoring agency (if applicable).

Do I need to mail any documents if I apply online?

No. All required documentation — including First Aid and CPR certification — is uploaded directly to YourCouncil. 

Can I still renew my CDA by paper application?

Yes, but the online process is strongly recommended for faster service.

If you choose to apply by paper:

• Complete and sign the CDA Renewal Application included in the Council’s Renewal Procedures Guide.
• Include copies of your First Aid and Infant/Child CPR certification.
• Include the completed Training and Membership Verification (Section E).
• Include the ECE Reviewer recommendation and verification of 80 hours of work experience (Section D).
• Pay the processing fee by check, money order, purchase order, or credit card (details provided on the paper application).

Mail your complete application to:
Council for Professional Recognition
2460 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

 

Ready to Renew? Get Your Training Hours with CCEI

Renewing your CDA credential is a big milestone — and with the right preparation, you’ll be ready to submit your application confidently.

If you still need to complete your professional education hours, CCEI can help. We offer a flexible, fully online CDA Renewal program that meets Council documentation standards and fit into your busy schedule. 

Get started today!

Every child care director brings a unique combination of experience, leadership, and vision to their program. But even the most capable leaders know that ongoing training is essential — not just to stay compliant, but to strengthen their skills and support the growth of their staff and center.

Whether you’re creating a professional development plan for yourself or building a leadership training path for your admin team, this guide covers the four core areas every director should prioritize:

• Balancing administrative duties with educational leadership
• Staff management techniques that boost retention
• Budget management essentials for sustainability
• Building positive relationships with families and the community

For each skill area, we’ll highlight practical strategies and recommended CCEI courses designed specifically for directors and program leaders.

 

Balancing Administrative Duties with Educational Leadership

Child care directors wear many hats — often switching between them multiple times a day. You’re responsible for day-to-day operations like licensing, staff scheduling, and enrollment while also guiding curriculum decisions and setting the educational tone for the entire program.

Even experienced directors benefit from professional development that sharpens these skills and introduces new strategies. To lead effectively, focus on three key areas:

• Strategic planning
• Licensing and compliance management
• Curriculum leadership

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning goes beyond keeping the daily schedule running smoothly. It involves setting clear short- and long-term goals for your program, anticipating challenges, and making decisions that align with your mission and values. Effective directors use planning to drive enrollment growth, staff development, curriculum updates, and financial sustainability. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of reacting to problems rather than proactively improving the program.

Recommended Program: Director’s Certificate 

Licensing and Compliance Management

Directors know that staying compliant isn’t optional, but that doesn’t make it easy. State requirements can be complex and time-consuming to manage, especially when combined with staffing changes, enrollment fluctuations, and shifting regulations. Training that helps you clearly understand what’s needed and how to stay organized can make a big difference. With the right tools and knowledge, you can stay prepared for licensing visits and audits, keep your documentation up to date, and focus more energy on supporting your staff, children, and families.

Recommended Course: Legal and Regulatory Issues for Child Care Centers

Curriculum Leadership

As a director, you guide the curriculum approach for your entire center. That might mean implementing a specific educational approach like Montessori or Reggio Emilia, or supporting your staff as they apply a set curriculum, such as The Creative Curriculum®. While you don’t have to be a pedagogical expert, you are the vision holder.

That means developing a solid working knowledge of your chosen curriculum, understanding child development theory, applying developmentally appropriate practice, and using assessment data to inform learning experiences. Families often choose a center based on its educational philosophy or curriculum, so your ability to clearly articulate and support that approach builds trust and confidence.

Remember — you don’t have to be the expert on everything. Nobody is. You can always bring in outside trainers, consultants, or assign online training to staff on specific topics. But establishing a strong personal foundation will help you lead with confidence and clarity.

Recommended Courses:

• Authentic Assessment in Early Care and Education
• Adult Learning Theories and Strategies for Trainers, Coaches, and Directors

 

Staff Management Techniques That Boost Retention

Your educators are the heart of your program. Keeping them engaged, supported, and growing professionally reduces turnover, creating the consistency and quality that families value.

Managing staff effectively goes beyond good scheduling and payroll. It means building a team culture where educators feel respected, empowered, and equipped to succeed.

Focus on strengthening three key areas:

• Hiring and onboarding
• Staff development
• Positive team culture building

Hiring and Onboarding

Effective staff management starts before an educator ever enters the classroom. Hiring with intention by looking not just at qualifications but at alignment with your program’s philosophy and team culture lays the groundwork for success. 

Onboarding is another opportunity to communicate expectations, introduce staff to your center’s values, and provide the resources they need to feel confident from day one. A strong start helps new staff feel connected and reduces early turnover.

Recommended Training Solution:

• Group Annual Subscription — Allows directors to select courses that meet all onboarding requirements as well as ongoing professional development for staff. Having all training in one place simplifies management, ensures consistency, and offers exceptional value for centers of any size.

Staff Development

Ongoing professional development is essential for keeping educators engaged and helping them grow. Identifying teachers’ strengths and areas for improvement helps make the best use of time spent on professional development while supporting compliance. Encouraging staff to pursue certifications, expand their knowledge of child development, and build leadership skills improves classroom quality and shows educators that their growth is valued.

Recommended Courses:

• Adult Social-Emotional Wellness — Supports the well-being of educators, helping them manage stress and model positive social-emotional skills for children.
• Reducing Exclusionary Discipline in Early Childhood Education — Equips staff with strategies for guiding behavior in positive, inclusive ways.
  

Positive Team Culture Building

Retention isn’t just about policies and pay (though both matter). A positive, supportive team culture makes educators want to stay. Directors can foster this by promoting open communication, recognizing staff achievements, creating opportunities for collaboration, and addressing conflicts quickly and fairly. Prioritizing staff well-being and professional respect leads to a healthier, happier workplace.

Recommended Courses:

• Program Leadership: Staff Retention and Motivation — Explores practical strategies to improve staff morale, reduce turnover, and create a motivating work environment.
• Reflective Practices in Early Childhood Education — Teaches directors and educators how to use reflective practices to improve teaching, communication, and team collaboration.
• Staff Communication: Educational Partnerships — Provides tools to strengthen communication and build effective, professional partnerships among staff members.

 

Budgeting, Funding, and Marketing Essentials for Center Sustainability

Directors are responsible for more than managing daily operations. Long-term success depends on maintaining a stable budget, securing funding, and marketing the program effectively to attract new families and retain current ones. These skills work together to ensure the center’s financial health and future growth.

Key focus areas include:

• Budget creation and forecasting
• Resource allocation and funding opportunities
• Marketing and community engagement

Budget Creation and Forecasting

Accurate budgeting helps directors set tuition rates, plan for staffing needs, and allocate resources wisely. Forecasting for variable costs and enrollment changes can prevent shortfalls and support steady growth.

Recommended Courses:

• Creating an Operational Budget for a Child Care Center — Step-by-step guidance for developing and managing a sustainable budget.
• Time Management Skills for Early Childhood Providers — Practical strategies for prioritizing financial tasks and staying organized.
  

Resource Allocation and Funding Opportunities

Strong resource allocation ensures that every dollar supports program quality. Directors must balance competitive staff wages, facility maintenance, materials, and professional development. Exploring grants, community partnerships, and subsidies can also increase available funding without adding financial pressure to families.

Recommended Courses:

• Elements of Program Management — Covers foundational management practices that support sound decision-making and efficient resource use.
• Director’s Certificate Program — A comprehensive program covering budgeting, compliance, leadership, and financial sustainability.

Marketing and Community Engagement

Attracting and retaining families requires clear, consistent marketing. Directors should promote their program’s strengths, highlight curriculum and staff qualifications, and build a positive presence in the community. Today, this often includes managing social media, maintaining an up-to-date website, and engaging in community events.

Recommended Courses:

• Successfully Marketing Your Program — Strategies for promoting your center and building enrollment.
• Technology and Social Media Policy in the Early Care and Education Environment — Guidance on using technology and social media responsibly and effectively to support marketing efforts.

 

Building Positive Relationships with Families and the Community

Strong relationships with families and the wider community are at the heart of every high-quality early learning program. As the director, you set the tone for how your center engages with families, from daily communication to how conflicts are resolved and how inclusive your environment feels.

Families want to know their children are not only safe and well cared for, but also understood, supported, and included. Building that trust means creating open lines of communication, practicing cultural competence, and offering opportunities for families to participate meaningfully in the life of the center. It also means handling concerns with transparency and respect when they arise.

Community engagement plays a key role, too. Whether it’s connecting with local organizations, participating in events, or forming referral partnerships, these relationships strengthen your program’s presence and expand the support network around your staff and families.

Recommended CCEI Courses:

• Establishing Family Partnerships Through Communication and Engagement — Offers practical strategies for building strong, respectful relationships with families through everyday communication and shared goals.
• Family-Teacher Conferences — Prepares educators to lead productive, positive conferences that reflect children’s progress and support ongoing family engagement.
• Parent Communication: Building Partners in the Educational Process — Helps staff strengthen communication practices that foster trust and position families as active partners in their child’s learning.

 

Why Directors Choose CCEI

Thousands of child care directors rely on CCEI to support their own growth and the development of their teams. With practical, high-quality training designed specifically for early learning leaders, it’s easy to build a professional development plan that fits your goals, your schedule, and your budget.

Here’s why so many directors choose CCEI:

• Courses are recognized in all 50 states.
• Training aligns with real-world licensing, compliance, and leadership needs.
• Affordable subscriptions and group plans support team-wide development.
• Admin tools make it easy to assign courses, track progress, and stay organized.

Ready to strengthen your leadership skills? Explore CCEI’s Director Training Course Catalogue →