Become A Part of The Elite Working With Children,
Our Early Childhood Educators Earn More!
Child Development Associate - "CDAs have knowledge of how to put the CDA Competency Standards into practice and an understanding of why those standards help children move with success from one developmental stage to another. Put simply, CDAs know how to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of children. Earning the CDA Credential has many advantages, including exposure to the larger community of early childhood educators. More than 800,000 CDA credentials have been issued to date, with approximately 40,000 initial and renewal CDAs annually." - Council of Professional Recognition
Your CDA credential may be just the beginning. Many graduates continue their education using transferable college credits or advance their leadership roles within their organizations.
Choose Your Workforce Credential Package
Fastest Program, with 100% Success Rate We Onboard Professionals Ready For the Early Childhood Education Workforce
CDA Prep Class
65$Middle Tech Option: Must be able to navigate an online portal and participate actively in live webinars with minimum tech assistance.Valid for 12 weeks- Self Paced Learning Portal
- 120 Clock Hours meeting National CDA Criteria
- Portfolio Support Embedded In Criteria
- Test Preparation
- Head Start Framework In Each Module
- Curriculum Readiness Activity
- Choose 1 - Family Childcare, Infant/Toddler/Pre-K
- *Student Success Binder Not Included
- Opportunity to join 6 live instructor sessions
Mobile CDA Prep
1,099$Micro-Credential We Come To You For 3 Days over 50 Head Start sites have utilized this program in multiple states for quickly supporting compliance- More Than CDA PrepTM All In One Signature Program
- 120 Clock Hours (CDA Equivalence CCDF and HS Criteria)
- Assessors Recommendation or Test Preparation
- Written Demonstration Support (CDA Equivalence)
- Family Child Care, Infant/Toddler, Pre-K, Home Visitors
- Planning and Implementation Demonstration (CDA Equivalence)
- Manual Review of All Assignments With Instructor Feedback
- Student Success Binder
- WIOA Approved
ECE Registered Apprentice Program
3,625$Career-ready ECE training with employment, credentials & 21 college credits. Join 300+ apprentices with 88% completion, 100% job placement rates!Valid for 12 months- 🎓 US Department of Labor Registered Program
- 💼 Guaranteed Employment Placement (if not employed)
- 📚 21 College Credits Included
- 🏆 Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
- 💰 Earn While You Learn
- 🌟 Comprehensive Support System
Complete CDA Preparation
Multiple Learning Options
🚐 Mobile Training for Employers
Perfect for: Organizations training multiple staff, on-site convenience, team building custom scheduling and group rates available
🏢 Face-to-Face CDA Prep - $1,099
Perfect for hands-on learners who thrive in classroom environments
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Intensive 3-5 day format - Complete your preparation quickly
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Expert instruction from industry SME early childhood professionals
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Small class sizes for personalized attention
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Includes meals ($120 food allowance per class)
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Interactive learning with immediate feedback and support
💻 Virtual Live CDA Prep
Ideal for busy professionals who need scheduling flexibility
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Live instructor-led sessions with real-time interaction
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Maximum 10 students per class for quality instruction
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Same expert instructors as face-to-face programs
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Interactive online platform with full engagement tools
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Flexible scheduling around your work and family commitments
📱 Online Self-Paced CDA Prep
For independent learners who prefer to study on their own timeline
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16 comprehensive modules covering all CDA competency areas
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Expert instructor support available throughout your journey
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Study anywhere, anytime from your phone, tablet, or computer
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Progress tracking to keep you on target for completion
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Same rigorous curriculum as our other formats
Three Easy Steps to Get Started
Launch Your Early Childhood Education Career Today
Transform your passion for children into a nationally recognized credential that opens doors to meaningful career opportunities and increased earning potential.
Why Choose EECI's CDA Prep Program?
The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is most recognized in early childhood education - and EECI's proven program gets you there faster, with more support, and better outcomes than anywhere else.
Unmatched Success Record
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88% completion rate - Most students successfully earn their CDA credential
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100% job placement - Every graduate finds employment after completion
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20+ years of proven training excellence
Upcoming Classes
FAQ.
CDA Credential and National Recognition
Q: What is the CDA credential and why is it valuable?
A: The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a nationally recognized certification that validates your competency in early childhood education. Through EECI's program, you'll complete 16 instructor-led modules that prepare you for this prestigious credential. What makes this especially valuable is that 100% of our graduates find job placement after completion, and the credential is recognized by employers nationwide. This isn't just a certificate - it's your gateway to increased responsibilities and earning potential in the ECE field.
Q: Is the CDA credential recognized by employers everywhere?
A: Absolutely! The CDA is nationally recognized and meets US Department of Education standards. EECI is acknowledged by four college boards and systems, which means your credential carries weight with employers across the country. Our program follows NAEYC professional standard frameworks, ensuring you're getting training that meets the highest industry standards.
College Credits and Educational Pathways
Q: Do I really get college credits, and can I use them anywhere?
A: Yes! Every EECI apprentice graduates with 21 ECE foundation college credits that are transferable to tech schools and universities. This is a huge advantage because you're not just getting job-ready skills - you're building a foundation for continued higher education. These credits bridge the gap if you decide to pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree later. It's like getting a head start on college while becoming career-ready.
Q: How do the college credits work with the apprenticeship?
A: Our apprenticeship program is US Department of Labor registered, which means you get dual enrollment benefits. You're simultaneously earning your CDA credential, gaining college credits, and completing a federally recognized apprenticeship. This triple benefit sets you apart in the job market and gives you multiple pathways for career advancement.
Program Duration and Timeline
Q: How long does it take to complete the program?
A: Most students complete the CDA credential program in about 6 months from start to finish. The program requires 16 instructor-led modules regardless of whether you choose face-to-face, online, or virtual live instruction. We've designed it to be intensive but manageable, allowing you to become job-ready quickly without sacrificing quality education.
Q: What's the time commitment like during those 6 months?
A: The beauty of our program is flexibility. Whether you choose our face-to-face training (typically 3-5 days intensive), virtual live instructor-led courses (average class size of 10 students), or online modules, we structure the learning to fit working adults' schedules. All our instructors are industry guru in early childhood education, so you're getting expert guidance throughout your journey.
Apprenticeship Structure and Investment
Q: What exactly does the apprenticeship program include?
A: Our apprenticeship program ($3,625 per student) is comprehensive, and US Department of Labor registered. You'll get the CDA preparation, 21 college credits, hands-on training, and job placement support. We work with local childcare centers and homes to ensure you have real-world experience. Plus, our completion rate is 88%, and we maintain 100% job placement after graduation - that's our commitment to your success.
Q: Is there financial support available?
A: Since we're registered with American Job Centers and Workforce Offices nationwide, there are often funding opportunities available through state and department of labor programs. I'd recommend calling us at (833) 467-9997 to discuss specific funding options in your area. We work with programs like SC State Office of Apprenticeship and Indiana Fast Track DWD WRG to help make training accessible.
Special Considerations and Support
Q: What if English isn't my first language?
A: We absolutely welcome English as Other Language (EOL) learners! In fact, 80% of our apprentice classes are EOL learners from Latin countries, Trinidad, and Nigeria. We provide translation support, have two communication specialists on staff, and offer live translation during classes. Over 80 ECE teachers have completed our program with translation support, creating a rich, culturally diverse learning environment.