Early Childhood
Lastinger Learning CDA® Pathways
These professional learning pathways available in English and Spanish support early childhood educators in completing the courses required to qualify for a CDA®.
The Child Development Associate (CDA®) credential is a nationally recognized certification that demonstrates an educator’s commitment to professionalism in the field of early childhood education. It signifies that an educator has met the competencies and standards required by the Council for Professional Recognition.
Program Overview
The Lastinger Learning CDA® Pathway is a combination of online professional learning, job-embedded practice, communities of practice and technical assistance to support early childhood educators to earn their CDA®.
Over the course of 10 months, early childhood educators will:
- Participate in Communities of Practice
- Complete six online courses aligned to CDA® standards
- Receive technical assistance support on creating a digital professional portfolio
Program mastery is determined by two components – successful completion of 6 early childhood online courses by earning an overall course average of at least 80% in each course and completion of a professional portfolio.
As an IACET Accredited Provider, the UF Lastinger Center offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.
Este programa también está disponible en español:
Eligible Participants
Early childhood educator in School Readiness and/or Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten contracted programs who:
- Work in infant, toddler or preschool classrooms within childcare centers
- Are referred by a participating Early Learning Coalition, RCMA or FLAEYC
- Have a high school diploma or GED
How to Apply
Applications will open on July 23.
To indicate interest in future CDA® Pathway offerings and to receive updates about other Lastinger Learning programs, please fill out the Program Interest Form.
Stipend Information
Please visit the Stipends Hub for information about the 2026-27 stipends.
Benefits
- Learn strategies to improve kindergarten readiness
- Implement learning through job-embedded, competency-based practice
- Further education knowledge and credentials in early childhood education
- The CDA® credential satisfies the requirements needed to earn the Florida Child Care Staff Credential
- Earn 2.0 CEUs per course mastered, for a total of 12.0 CEUs (120 instructional hours) when mastery is achieved in all six courses in the CDA Pathway
- Earn a $2,000 stipend after successful completion of the six courses in the pathway
Timeline
Term duration: August 10, 2026 – June 8, 2027
IACET Accredited
As an IACET Accredited Provider, the UF Lastinger Center for Learning offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.
Connect With Us
Fill out our Program Interest Form to stay up to date on Lastinger Learning course offerings, or contact us to bring Lastinger Learning programs to your district or organization.