Individual Credentialing

What is a Credential?
Credentials are awarded to individuals who have successfully demonstrated their ability in areas identified as critical to the early care and education profession. Through a series of indicators including experience and education, credentials are awarded to practitioners who document their competence in nurturing and educating young children.  For more information about any of the credentials listed below, you can use the contact information provided below or contact us at (800) 676-2805.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE (CDA)
(For home and center child care professionals)
The CDA is a national program to credential qualified child care professionals who document their ability to meet national standards of care and education for young children and their families. Candidates pursuing the CDA credential document their child care experience and skills through a professional resource file, parent questionnaires and completing 120 clocks hours training in eight different content areas. Candidates advance through the credentialing process at their own pace. The credential may be earned in Family Child Care, Center based Preschool, Center based infant /toddler or Home Visitor.

For more information about this credential contact:
Council for Professional Recognition
2460 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009-3575
Phone: (800) 424-4310
www.cdacouncil.org

Project Professional CDA Scholarship program
Community Child Care Connection, Inc, will provide the CDA scholarship candidates with:

To find out more about this program please contact us at (800) 676-2805.

CERTIFIED CHILD CARE PROFESSIONAL (CCP) CREDENTIAL
(For center child care professionals)
The CCP credentialing program is designed to recognize an individual’s achievements as a child care professional. Recognition of individual achievement is granted though the awarding of the CCP to those candidates who meet the National Standards of professional expertise established by the National Child Care Association (NCCA) and the Professional Standards Council. Candidates advance through the credentialing process at their own pace. The Professional Standards Council reviews and awards credentials to successful candidates.

For more information about this credential contact:
CCP
1016 Rosser Street
Conyers, GA 30012
Phone: (800) 543-7161
nccacp@mindspring.com
www.nccanet.org

ILLINOIS DIRECTOR CREDENTIAL (IDC)
(For early care and education administrators)
The IDC is a voluntary credentialing program created to increase professionalism and recognition for administrators in early care and education. It is recognized in the state as a standard of measurement for management and leadership capabilities and serves as a symbol of professional achievement. An individual can achieve the IDC either by completing an approved program at a college or university or by completing a portfolio and documenting a degree, experience and professional contributions. The credential is offered at three levels including the Associate, Bachelor and Graduate Degrees

For more information about this credential contact:
INCCRRA
207 West Jefferson Street, Suite 503
Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: (800) 649-1884
idc@ilchildcare.org
www.ilchildcare.org

NATIONAL ADMINSTRATOR CREDENTIAL (NAC)
(For child care directors)
NAC offers directors an opportunity to receive 40 clock hours of high-quality, relevant, college-level education in five days. The training focuses on financial, staff and program management. Participants are expected to complete projects and reading assignments between classes

For more information about this credential contact:
NACCP
PO Box 90723
Austin, TX 78709-0723
admin@naccp.org 
www.naccp.org