Eager to Learn

CDA Training and Registration Information

Eager-to-Learn is proud to be part of the Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network, which offers a system of support for child care professionals working toward their National Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Whether you are looking for online training toward your credential, help funding your credential work or the support of a CDA advisor, the resource & referral community is here to help!

A National CDA (Child Development Associate) is a credential issued by the Council for
Professional Recognition.

Eager-to-Learn offers courses which satisfy CDA training and renewal requirements

Eager-to-Learn offers online classes for people who care for children. Child care professionals can meet their 120-hour National Child Development Associate (CDA) training requirements through Eager-to-Learn. Students receive the training requirements in one year for approximately half the price of traditional CDA training. The Eager-to-Learn CDA cohort
program offers a comprehensive base of knowledge and skills focused on meeting the needs of the whole child.

CDA Cohort Program

Child care providers can meet their 120 hour CDA training requirement by registering for nine pre-elected courses that cover at least 10 hours of training in each of the eight required content areas. Participants in the cohort take all nine online courses together, giving them a supportive learning community for the duration of the program (approximately one year). In addition to the quality and convenience of the courses, the Eager-to-Learn CDA Cohort Program is an affordable CDA training alternative. For the low cost of $600 (approximately half the price of traditional training courses) participants will have over 120 hours of high quality training taught by experienced, knowledgeable and certified instructors. CDA cohort programs start at various times throughout the year.

Individualized Training

CDA candidates may also opt to select and register for individual Eager-to-Learn courses that meet specific learning and scheduling needs. Review the courses on the course listing page to determine the courses that work best for you. Just click on a course’s name to view a brief description and which content area it meets.

Registration and Payment

To register for the cohort program, contact John Strharsky at johns@mnchildcare.org  or (651) 746-4025. The cost of the entire program is $600. This amount can be paid over the phone by credit card.

To register for classes individually check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Participants may withdraw and receive a full refund up until one week prior to the beginning date of a class. A participant who withdraws from the course after the one-week deadline will not receive a refund. If you need to withdraw from a course, we ask that you give as much notice as possible. This enables us to fill your spot with another learner who is able to make the course work.

Eligibility requirements for a National CDA

Applicant must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Have worked with children a minimum of 480 hours within the past five years
  • Have earned a high school diploma or GED

For more information on the CDA, including application materials, go to www.cdacouncil.org.

Benefits of earning a National CDA

This nationally respected credential offers valuable knowledge on meeting the needs of children. Child care professionals who earn their National CDA credential receive increased professional recognition—find your time to shine!

Other benefits include:

  • Eligibility to receive child care assistance dollars at a higher reimbursement rate
  • Eligibility to receive $1,000 as an additional R.E.E.T.A.I.N. program bonus

Additional CDA Resources for Minnesota Residents