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Child Development Associate

What We Do

Educational First Steps transforms existing centers into nationally accredited preschools. Through the Four Steps to Excellence, EFS provides the evidence-based training, mentoring, and comprehensive resource support, all at no cost to educators, families, and communities, needed to help childcare centers achieve national accreditation. In turn, childcare providers provide the high-quality, high-impact care required to create and support early learning environments that help all children experience an equal opportunity for success.

The EFS Academy, provides professional development courses, on-site mentoring, classroom instruction, the Annual Educators Conference, and the Child Development Associate Course for teachers and early childcare center directors across 24 school districts in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Johnson, Denton and Grayson Counties.

What is a CDA?

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education. Through instructor-led courses, attendees, upon completion, will have received 120 hours of early childhood training in 8 competency standards and prepares them for success to apply and pass the CDA Credential Exam.

We help educators enhance their qualifications and effectiveness by earning the Child Development Associate credential – and share key elements of Educational First Steps’ own Four Steps to Excellence 2.0 quality-building course curriculum.

Questions for the Professional Development team?
EMAIL: efsacademy@educationalfirststeps.org

Register for professional development courses, including the Child Development Associate, HERE

Why it Matters:

High-quality early childhood education helps close achievement gaps for early learners, break cycles of generational poverty for families, and create a brighter and more equitable tomorrow for the children and communities of North Texas.