Flexible, Self-Paced Learning—Built for Busy Educators

Our self-paced course is designed to respect the demanding schedules of early childhood educators. Learn on your own time while receiving 100% support through scheduled check-ins and ongoing guidance from instructors throughout the course. You’re never navigating the process alone; we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way to successful, 100% completion of Busy Educators' Schedules.

Personalized Guidance from Experienced, Credentialed Instructors

Learn with confidence through personalized guidance from certified instructors with real classroom experience. Our highly qualified team brings backgrounds in higher education, academic advising, and state credentialing, and they actively work within the early childhood field. This ensures the support you receive is practical, current, and grounded in the realities of today’s classrooms; every step of your CDA journey.

CDA Credential Preparation Aligned with Professional Recognition Criteria

This course is intentionally aligned with CDA professional recognition requirements and prepares you to confidently submit your completed portfolio. You’ll be guided step by step through the entire process; from documentation to application; so you can successfully apply for your credential through the Council for Professional Recognition with clarity and confidence.

At unlockED PRO, Your Experience Becomes Your Credential

At unlockED PRO, we are committed to supporting early childhood educators as they confidently pursue their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Our self-paced online program is thoughtfully aligned with Council for Professional Recognition requirements and the New York State Core Body of Knowledge, ensuring your learning meets recognized professional standards. You’ll receive personalized guidance from experienced, credentialed instructors who understand the realities of today’s classrooms and the demands placed on educators. From portfolio development to the final application process, we walk alongside you every step of the way, so you can complete your credential with clarity, confidence, and pride. By the End of This Program, You Will… 1. Feel confident navigating the CDA process 2. Understand exactly what’s required 3. Trust your professional knowledge; and 4. Move forward with clarity and purpose Join a program designed to honor your experience, strengthen your leadership skills, and help you unlock your potential in a career that truly matters.

Real educators. Real experience.  Real support.

What You Can Expect ✔ Accurate, up-to-date CDA guidance ✔ Mentor support from instructors who know the process ✔ Clear structure without overwhelm ✔ A supportive, professional learning experience built for working educators Who You Will Become Through unlockED PRO, you won’t just complete requirements—you will: Gain confidence in your professional knowledge Trust your voice as an early childhood educator Move forward with clarity, credibility, and purpose At unlockED PRO, your growth matters—because when educators are supported, children benefit, and learning environments grow stronger.

Course Curriculum

11 Chapters · 70 Lessons

  1. 1

    Introduction to CDA Credential

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      unlockED PRO and CDA Credentials

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding CDA Credentials

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Nuts and Bolts of Obtaining Your CDA with unlockED PRO

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Becoming Familiar with Technology

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Course Navigation and Expectations

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Course Resources

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      test

  2. 2

    Start Here: Your Guide to a Successful Journey

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Your Learning Partners

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Success by Design: How You Live is How You Learn

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Sample Professional Portfolio

  3. 3

    Core Competency Area I: To Establish & Maintain a Safe, Healthy Learning Environment

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      In This Section: Resource Collection I and Competency Goal Statement I

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Safety: Resource Collection I-1 First Aid and CPR

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Healthy: Resource Collection I-2 Menus

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Learning Environments: Resource Collection I-3 Weekly Lesson Plans

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Writing Competency Goal Statement I

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      Competency Goal Statement I: To Establish & Maintain a Safe, Healthy Learning Environment

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      SAMPLE Resource Collection I and Competency Goal Statement I

  4. 4

    Core Competency Area II: To Advance Physical & Intellectual Competence

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      In This Section: Resource Collection II and Competency Goal Statement II

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Physical

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      Cognitive

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Communication

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      Creative

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      Resource Collection II-1 Science/Sensory

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      Resource Collection II-2 Language and Literacy

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      Resource Collection II-3 Creative Arts

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      Resource Collection II-4 Fine Motor (Indoor Activity)

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      Resource Collection II-5 Gross Motor (Outdoor Activity)

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      Resource Collection II-6 Self Concept

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      Resource Collection II-7 Emotional Skills/Regulation

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      Resource Collection II-8 Social Skills

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      Resource Collection II-9 Mathematics

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Competency Goal Statement II: Advance Physical and Intellectual Competence

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      SAMPLE Resource Collection II and Competency Goal Statement II

  5. 5

    Core Competency III: To Support Social & Emotional Development & Positive Guidance

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      In This Section: Resource Collection III and Competency Goal Statement III

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Self

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Social

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Guidance

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Resource Collection III - Books 1 and 2

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      Resource Collection III - Books 3 and 4

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      Resource Collection III - Books 5 and 6

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      Resource Collection III - Books 7 and 8

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      Resource Collection III - Books 9 and 10

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      Competency Goal Statement III: To Support Social & Emotional Development & To Provide Positive Guidance

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      Sample Resource Collection III and Competency Goal Statement III

  6. 6

    Core Competency Area IV: To Establish Positive & Productive Relationships with Families

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      In This Section: Resource Collection IV and Competency Goal Statement IV

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Families

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Resource Collection IV-1 Family Counseling

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      Resource Collection IV-2 Language Services

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      Resource Collection IV-3 Children with Special Needs

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Resource Collection IV-4 Articles to Help Families Understand Child Development

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      Sample Resource Collection IV and Competency Goal Statement IV

  7. 7

    Core Competency Area V: To ensure a Well-Run, Purposeful Program that is Responsive to Participant Needs

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      In This Section: Resource Collection V and Competency Goal Statement V

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Program Management

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Resource Collection V: Blank Accident / Incident Form

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Resource Collection V: Emergency Contact Form

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Resource Collection V: Completed Observation Tool without Child's Name

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Sample Resource Collection V and Competency Goal Statement V

  8. 8

    Core Competency Area VI: To Maintain a Commitment to Professionalism

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      In This Section: Resource Collection VI and Competency Goal Statement VI

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Professionalism

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Resource Collection VI-1 State Licensor, Licensing Agency and Regulations

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Resource Collection VI-2 Early Childhood Associations

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Resource Collection VI-3 Legal Requirements for Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Sample Resource Collection VI and Competency Goal Statement VI

  9. 9

    The Professional Philosophy Statement

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      In This Section: The Professional Philosophy Statement

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The Professional Philosophy Statement

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Sample The Professional Philosophy Statement

  10. 10

    Your Professional Portfolio Development

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      CDA Professional Portfolio Binder Sheets

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Documenting Your Experiences

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Sample Professional Portfolio

  11. 11

    Preparing for CDA Assessment

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Final Review and Confidence Building

What Educators Tell Us

What We Consistently Hear from Educators

”
“I wasn’t sure I was doing it correctly.”
Jessica L.

Las Vegas, NV

”
“I received different answers depending on who I asked.”
Ashley T.

Albany, NY

”
I started strong, but didn’t have support to finish.
Anna W.

Family Childcare Provider

”
I didn’t realize how much guidance I would need in preparation with the portfolio.
Tasha

Rutland, VT

Start Your CDA Credential Journey Today

Join unlockED PRO to access a supportive and flexible online program that aligns with professional standards and prepares you for leadership roles.

$1,199.00

Start with a Free CDA Readiness Call