Growing Futures - North Dakota Professional Development

Credentials

A credential is a professional development achievement that is documented to verify or prove a person's qualifications. The Growing Futures Career Pathways specifically recognizes two national early childhood credentials: the Aim4Excellence™ Center Director Credential and the Child Development Associate (CDA).

Aim4Excellence™

Aim4Excellence™ is an online national director credential for early childhood administrators. The credential focuses on the essential knowledge and skills directors need to deliver high-quality programming for children. Aim4Excellence™ includes nine self-paced modules. Modules can be taken for credit or CEUs through University of North Dakota (UND) or for noncredit. Aim4Excellence™ is a project of the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership. Completion of the Aim4Excellence™ Center Direct Credential is a qualification for placement at Career Pathways Category F.

• Learn more about the national Aim4Excellence™ Credential
• Learn more about the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership

CDA

The CDA is a national early childhood professional credential for direct caregivers of children ages 0–5 years in family/group, center-based, and Head Start programs. The CDA credential is administered by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, DC, which sets the requirements for completion of the CDA and awards the CDA Credential. A valid CDA Credential is the qualification for placement in Career Pathways Category E.

• Learn more about the national CDA Credential
• Find CDA resources and support

Find a CDA Adviser

Find a qualified CDA Adviser in your area to complete your formal observation. The individuals listed below meet the adviser qualifications set by the national CDA Council and have chosen to make their names available to be contacted. Select an adviser’s name from the list below to view more detailed information for that adviser.

• View the CDA Adviser Qualifications (PDF)