Certification or Licensing
National certification isn’t required of child care workers, but some organizations do offer it. The Council for Professional Recognition offers the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing Program. To complete the program and receive the CDA credential, you must do a certain amount of field and course work, and pass a final evaluation. (Note: Some high school students who are enrolled in vocational training programs may also be eligible for the credential.) The National Child Care Association offers the certified child-care professional credential, which is geared toward teachers who have not completed a college degree or who have a degree in a field that is unrelated to child care. The National Association for Family Child Care also provides certification.
Licensing requirements for child care workers vary from state to state. Each state sets its own licensing requirements for child care workers. Some states require that you complete a certain number of continuing education hours every year; these hours may include college courses or research into the subject of child care. CPR training is also often required.