06/12/2025
Which Career Path Is Right for You?
In the field of early childhood education, professionals are responsible for supporting the development and care of young children during some of the most formative years of their lives. For those interested in starting or advancing a career in this area, exploring the right educational options may help shape their professional direction.
Two popular options are the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and an early childhood education degree. Both are valuable, but they offer different approaches to learning and preparation. Understanding the differences between a CDA and early childhood education degree can help students make informed choices that align with not only their experiences and skills, but also their goals, timeline, and interests.
Understanding the Early Childhood Education Field
The early childhood education field includes a variety of settings—such as preschools, child care centers, and family child care programs—which serve children from birth to age eight. Professionals in this space focus on developmental milestones, social-emotional growth, and age-appropriate learning.
Whether working as a classroom teacher, aide, or daycare provider, individuals in this field often pursue formal training in areas like child development, classroom management, and communication with families. Educational pathways can provide practical skills and foundational knowledge intended to support high-quality care and instruction.
Understanding Child Development
One of the core components of any early childhood role is understanding how children grow, learn, and interact with their environment. Coursework in both CDA programs and degree tracks often focuses on:
- Physical, cognitive, and emotional development
- Creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans
- Supporting social-emotional learning
- Building safe and inclusive learning environments
This focus on child development is truly important, no matter if the goal is to teach in a preschool, support families as a home visitor, or direct a child care program.
What Is a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential?
The CDA credential is a national credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. It is one of the most widely recognized credentials in early childhood education and focuses heavily on applied, hands-on learning. It requires:
- 120 hours of professional education in early childhood education
- 480 hours of experience in a relevant setting (e.g., daycare, preschool)
- Completion of a professional portfolio
- Observation and assessment by a certified specialist
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A renewal process every three years to maintain certification
The CDA is designed to prepare individuals to meet core competency standards and demonstrate effective practices in classroom and child care settings.
Steps to Earning a CDA Credential
The CDA process includes enrolling in a training program, completing coursework and field experience, and passing an observation and exam. Many candidates choose preparation programs that help them meet eligibility requirements and guide them through the CDA application.
The CDA council supports candidates with tools such as the CDA handbook, competency standards book, and access to professional development opportunities. Once earned, the CDA credential must be renewed every three years through continuing education and verification of active employment in the early childhood field.
What You’ll Learn in a CDA Program
The CDA program focuses on practical skills and immediate classroom application. Common areas of study include:
- Child growth and development
- Health and safety practices
- Learning environment setup
- Observation and documentation
- Partnering with families
This hands-on approach is designed for individuals who want to start working in early learning environments without committing to a multi-year degree.
Exploring the Early Childhood Education Degree Path
An early childhood education degree—usually an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree—can offer a broader and deeper academic foundation. These programs typically take two to four years to complete and may include:
- Credit-based coursework in education theory and child psychology
- General education subjects like math, science, and communication
- Opportunities for supervised fieldwork or internships
- Coursework that helps prepare students for roles in public schools, private schools, or center-based programs
A degree may create a foundation for transferring credits toward additional study, which can be helpful for those interested in long-term career planning or exploring roles in school systems or administration.
Career Options with a CDA or Early Childhood Degree
Both a CDA credential and an early childhood education degree may lead to positions in the early childhood education field. Job titles can include:
- Assistant teacher
- Lead teacher (based on state requirements)
- Daycare or preschool staff
- Home visitor
- Program director (often requiring experience or additional education)
A CDA is commonly used to pursue entry-level roles, particularly in child care centers or home-based programs. An associate’s degree may expand access to roles in public schools, family child care, or specialized learning environments, depending on the setting and state regulations.
Comparing a CDA and Early Childhood Education Degree
| Feature | CDA Credential | Early Childhood Education Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Varies (typically a few months to 1 year) | 2 years (associate), 4 years (bachelor’s) |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher (tuition + fees) |
| Focus | Practical classroom skills | Broader academic foundation |
| Renewal | Required every 3 years | No renewal required |
| Typical Job Functions | Entry-level classroom and child care roles | Broader range of positions including certified roles |
| Potential Role Access Based on Credentials | May support short-term advancement | May support long-term career mobility |
| Transferable Credits | Not credit-bearing | Often transferable to bachelor’s degree |
Can I Be a Teacher With a CDA?
A CDA credential may qualify someone to work as a lead teacher or assistant teacher in many early learning settings, particularly in private or nonprofit child care centers. However, eligibility for specific roles varies by state, employer, and program type. Public school systems or Head Start programs may require an associate’s degree or higher, along with relevant experience.
Is the CDA the Same as a Degree?
No. A CDA is a credential, not a degree. It’s focused on specific competencies and practical skills, while a degree includes broader academic coursework and general education requirements.
Is It Worth Getting a CDA Certification?
For those looking to enter the workforce quickly or who already have experience working with children, the CDA credential can be one option to develop skills that may be acknowledged by some employers in early learning settings. It’s often valued in early learning centers or family child care programs and may support professional growth, depending on the setting and state requirements.
What Is the Best Degree for Early Childhood Education?
An associate’s degree in early childhood education is often considered a strong starting point, offering foundational coursework and field experience. It may also allow students to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program later, which could open up additional opportunities depending on state certification pathways and employer requirements.
Deciding Between a CDA and an Early Childhood Education Degree
When comparing CDA and early childhood education degree, it’s important to carefully think about the following:
- Time commitment
- Cost
- Desired career path
- Setting (private child care vs. public schools)
- Long-term education goals
Some students begin with a CDA to gain experience and later explore degree options based on evolving goals. Others may choose a degree program from the start to focus on academic coursework and field experience related to early learning.
Ready to take the next step? Explore "How To Become an Early Childhood Educator" to understand the educational pathways and qualifications commonly associated with this field.
