Your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is valid for up to three years. When that three-year period is up, you must renew your CDA to continue teaching young children and make sure you're up to date with any new laws and trends in the field of childcare. Once you renew your CDA the first time, you only have to renew it again once every five years. The renewal is good for center-based preschool, infant and toddlers, family child care homes and home visitors.

Renewal Criteria

Before attempting to renew your CDA, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements, including having a current First Aid Certificate, a minimum of four-and-a-half continuing education units or three credit hours in an approved course, 120 clock hours, a letter of recommendation from an early childhood education professional and current membership in an early childhood professional organization.

Renewal Packet

Purchase a renewal packet for $18, including shipping and handling, from the CDA Council's online bookstore. In your renewal packet, you'll find a renewal procedures booklet, information about materials for use that every child care professional should have, an application form, a form for your recommendation and a waiver request form.

Submit Renewal Application

Submit your renewal application along with all the required documents and the $50 renewal fee. Your application for CDA renewal will then be reviewed, and if everything is complete and in order, you'll be awarded the CDA renewal credential. Otherwise, incomplete materials and applications must be resolved efficiently and speedily so you don't lose out on the fees you paid, or worse, your CDA renewal credential.