If you’re working in a child care center, preschool, Head Start program, or family child care home, you’ve probably asked yourself this question at least once:
Can I really balance earning my CDA while working full time?
The answer is yes, you can absolutely do this!
In fact, many early childhood educators earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential while working full time.
We know your days are already packed with caring for children, writing lesson plans, communicating with families, and managing everything else life throws your way.
Here is how you can make it happen without burning out, and why your current job is actually your greatest secret weapon.
Why Earning Your CDA While Working Makes Sense
You might think working full time is a hurdle, but it is actually a massive advantage.
When you take online CDA courses, you don’t have to wait to apply what you are learning.
You may learn about positive guidance techniques in a course and use them in your classroom the very next day. You might complete a training module on child development and immediately recognize examples from the children you see every day.
Learning feels less like “homework” and more like a tool when you can put new knowledge into practice right away. Your daily job isn’t a distraction from your CDA—it’s the living laboratory where you perfect your craft.
How Do Full-Time Educators Find the Time?
The biggest worry we hear from educators is: “Where will I find the time?”
The truth is that most people don’t find extra time. They simply make the most of the small pockets of time they have.
- The Power of Small Blocks: Some educators complete coursework after their children go to bed. Others dedicate a few hours on weekends. Many set aside small blocks of time throughout the week and focus on one task at a time.
- One Step at a Time: The CDA process isn’t meant to be conquered in a single weekend. Consistent progress is often what leads to success. Focus on one module, one assignment, and one standard at a time.
What Does the CDA Process Include?
To earn your CDA credential, you’ll work through a few core components:
- Professional education hours
- Work experience with children
- A professional portfolio
- A verification visit
- The CDA exam
If you’re already working in an early childhood setting, you are already checking off major requirements just by showing up for your students.
When Life Gets Difficult
Earning a CDA isn’t just about finding time–it’s about finding the motivation to keep going when life throws unexpected challenges your way.
For Georgia educator Alexandria V. Gay, earning her CDA became a deeply personal journey.
“This has been an extremely long journey for me, especially after losing my twin brother. My dedication, motivation, and the encouragement I received to complete what I started made it all worthwhile.
My brother was actually the one who encouraged me to begin the CDA program. When he passed away, I lost the drive to continue. There were days when I could barely function.
But with support and encouragement along the way from Norma at CCEI, I found the motivation to keep going. If it wasn’t for that support, I might still be procrastinating instead of celebrating this accomplishment today.
Thank you for helping me stay focused on my goal. This achievement means more to me than words can express.”
If you face setbacks, lose motivation, or feel like you’re moving too slowly, remember Alexandria’s story. We all face obstacles along the way. What matters most is continuing to move forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time.
Is Earning a CDA Worth It?
If you’re going to dedicate your precious time to this, you want to know it’s worth it. And the answer is yes. Here is what a CDA brings to your career:
- Deepened Confidence: There is a unique shift that happens when you move from doing your job intuitively to understanding the exact why behind child behaviors and milestones.
- Career Mobility: A CDA opens doors to leadership roles, satisfies state licensing requirements, and frequently leads to increased compensation.
- Professional Recognition: It shows peers, families, and employers that you view early childhood education not just as a job, but as a profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn my CDA online?
Yes. Many CDA training programs are offered online, allowing you to complete coursework when it works best for your schedule.
Can I work full time while completing CDA training?
Yes. Thousands of early childhood educators complete CDA training while continuing to work full time.
How long does it take to earn a CDA?
Because our programs are self-paced, the timeline is entirely up to you. It depends on your schedule, experience, and how quickly you complete the required steps.
Do I need experience working with children?
Yes. The CDA includes work experience requirements. Many candidates already meet these through their current position in early childhood education.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been putting off your CDA because you’re worried about balancing it all, please know that you’re not alone and you are completely capable of doing this!
Earning your CDA doesn’t require a flawless schedule or a perfect, distraction-free life. It just requires persistence. One course, one assignment, one day at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be holding that credential in your hands.
Ready to Start Your CDA Journey?
Explore flexible online CDA training options designed with busy early childhood educators like you in mind. Learn about program features, costs, and enrollment opportunities to find the path that works best for you.
Visit our CDA training page to learn more and get started today.