Can a Daycare Be Owned With a CDA License?

Whether a CDA (Child Development Associate) credential is needed in order to own a daycare facility is determined primarily by the location in which the facility will operate.

CDA credential

• The CDA is a credential, rather than a license, that is acquired through education and experience in child development. Applications for the CDA and accompanying requirements for applying can be found at the Council for Professional Recognition website.

CDA Use

• State licensing helps ensure quality care standards, keeping kids safer. kids image by Marzanna Syncerz from Fotolia.com

  Almost all of the 50 states require that either directors or teachers in daycare facilities have CDA accreditation to receive state licensing; a list of these states and their requirements can be found at the Council website. Idaho is the one exception, not taking into account the CDA credential in its state licensing of daycare facilities at all.

Other Licensing

• While the CDA is a requirement for state licensing in some states, all 50 states require that facilities maintain some form of state license. The CDA alone does not license a daycare provider. Check with your state's child care regulatory office to find out how to apply for licensing for your daycare business. Some states allow child care to be provided without a license under certain circumstances (e.g., in-home care of a few children).