Many state and federal regulations, like the Head Start Program Performance Standards (45 CFR §1302.91) require most education staff to have their Child Development Associate (CDA®). The free iCDA Course Preparation Series on the Individualized Professional Development (iPD) Portfolio can help staff meet this need. It is a simple way for professionals to begin earning their CDA credential from the Council for Professional Recognition. The iCDA Preparation Series is a joint effort by the Office of Head Start and the Office of Child Care.
Start your CDA journey or boost your skills with this free online learning course. It's flexible, so you can learn at your own pace, build your portfolio, and get ready for exam success. Be part of the 1 million educators who are making a significant impact on children’s lives. Your professional development journey starts on the iPD!
These courses are a great opportunity to gain knowledge and practical strategies — even if you aren't pursuing your CDA.
This series consists of eight courses, providing 10 hours in each of the eight CDA subject areas. That means it provides 80 of the 120 clock hours required to achieve the CDA credential. Candidates can choose extra iPD courses to reach the 120 clock hours required by the Council for Professional Recognition.
Every iCDA course offers a robust and engaging experience. Complete the courses through a desktop, laptop, or tablet for the best view.
Since each course has 10 hours of seat time, we have built-in reminders for you to take a break.
Each course gives CDA candidates a chance to get ready for the official exam. It includes exam prep questions in each module and final course assessments.
CDA candidates are required to submit a portfolio to complete their certification. Each course is a guided opportunity to create and collect evidence for their portfolios. Take note of activities labeled with this icon and build your portfolio as you go!
Reflection activities prompt you to think — and write about — the topics and ideas discussed. This will help you establish a deeper connection with the content.
You can download handouts for each course. Use them to engage with colleagues or support your own growth.
Practice time lets you put what you’ve learned into action.
iCDA Courses by Subject Area
Get started now and check back often as more courses become available!
Subject Area I – Safe and Healthy Learning Environment — Shows how to create learning spaces that are safe, healthy, and fun for children, staff, and families. It focuses on key principles for creating effective indoor and outdoor learning environments. You'll also learn to select materials, plan curricula, and set up a daily schedule for the children in your group.
Subject Area II – Physical and Intellectual Competence — Covers important parts of children's development. You’ll discover how children grow, learn, and communicate, and why creativity is important.
Subject Area III – Social and Emotional Development — Explores how young children manage emotions and build social skills. You'll discover positive guidance technique to help build a caring environment, boost self-regulation, and promote respectful communication.
Subject Area IV – Positive and Productive Relationships with Families — Discusses various family structures and ways to build strong partnerships with each family. You'll learn how to enhance family engagement, improve communication, and help families support their child’s development at home.
Subject Area V – Purposeful Program — Includes what educators do every day in their settings. They try to give children the best program possible. This five-module course covers the ongoing cycle of curriculum planning. It focuses on planning for individual children and groups. You'll learn about using data to guide your planning. You’ll also learn about teamwork inside and outside your program. If you're a CDA Candidate, take the Subject Area VII course first. Then, take this course.
Subject Area VI – Commitment to Professionalism — Focuses on using research-based practices and the Code of Ethical Conduct. It will help you serve children and families better. It also focuses on the value of professional affiliations and development opportunities. These increase your knowledge and skills, and they benefit you, children, and families.
Subject Area VII – Observing and Recording Children's Behaviors
Subject Area VIII – Principles of Child Development and Learning
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Resource Type: Article
National Centers: Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning
Last Updated: August 26, 2025