Considering earning your CDA but not sure what job opportunities it will actually unlock? You might be surprised how many doors this credential can open.

The CDA is a nationally recognized credential requiring coursework and practical experience, with tracks for different age groups and settings. As more states raise education requirements for early childhood roles, the CDA is an excellent tool for career advancement.

According to the Early Childhood Workforce Index, 34 states require at least a CDA for center directors, 16 states for center-based teachers, and 37 states offer scholarships to help educators earn their CDA, like the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® scholarship program.

Whether or not your state mandates it yet, earning a CDA is one of the best ways to grow your career and stay ahead of changing licensing requirements.

Let’s explore the careers a CDA credential can lead to.

Lead Preschool Teacher

What you’ll do:
Plan and lead educational activities for preschool-aged children (typically ages 3–5). You’ll create lesson plans, assess developmental progress, foster social-emotional growth, and maintain a safe, supportive classroom. Lead preschool teachers supervise assistants and work closely with families. Common settings include private preschools, public pre-K programs, and nonprofit early learning centers.

Pay and demand:

Median annual salary: $37,120

Pay varies widely based on state, experience, and whether you work in public, private, or nonprofit settings. Job demand is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Lead Infant/ Toddler Teacher

What you’ll do:

Provide care and early learning experiences for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3). Responsibilities include feeding, diapering, planning developmentally appropriate activities, tracking milestones, and maintaining a nurturing environment. Lead infant/toddler teachers typically supervise aides and collaborate with families. Positions are available in child care centers, Early Head Start, and private programs.

Pay and demand:

Median annual salary: $37,120

Pay is generally comparable to that of preschool teachers. Pay can vary based on age group, experience, and center type. Demand remains steady due to the ongoing need for infant and toddler care.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Preschool and Childcare Directors

What you’ll do:

Manage the daily operations of a child care center, including staff supervision, budgeting, curriculum oversight, and ensuring compliance with state licensing regulations. Directors also communicate regularly with families and community partners.

Pay and demand:

Median annual salary: $56,270 

Pay varies widely based on center size, funding source, and location. Demand is projected to decline slightly by 2% from 2023 to 2033, but turnover creates about 5,100 openings annually.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

In-Home Child Care Provider / Nanny

What you’ll do:
Provide in-home care for children, typically in the family’s home. Responsibilities can include creating age-appropriate activities, managing meals and naps, helping with light housekeeping related to the child, and supporting developmental milestones. Nannies may care for children of different ages and often work closely with families to provide personalized care.

Pay and demand:

Median annual salary: $43,000

The average national hourly rate for full-time nannies in 2024 is $20.68, with rates varying significantly by location, experience, and job duties. Demand remains strong, particularly in urban areas and for nannies with specialized training like a CDA credential.

Source: Care.com

Head Start or Early Head Start Lead Teacher

What you’ll do:
Lead classroom instruction and create a safe, nurturing learning environment for children ages birth to 5 in federally funded Head Start or Early Head Start programs. Responsibilities include planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities, assessing children’s progress, supporting family engagement, and ensuring compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards. You’ll also supervise assistant teachers or aides. 

Unlike many private or nonprofit early learning roles, Head Start lead teachers often receive dedicated time out of the classroom for lesson planning and family engagement activities, which can help maintain a more balanced workload. Many positions also offer comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance and retirement contributions, which are not as common in private child care settings.

Pay and demand:

Median Average Salary: $40,000

Nationwide, the average annual salary for Head Start teachers is just below $40,000. Pay varies by location, experience, and program funding levels. Demand remains steady, though staffing shortages and budget constraints continue to affect many programs.

Source: Education Week

Home Visitor

What you’ll do:
Work directly with families in their homes to support child development, parenting strategies, and family well-being. Home visitors provide coaching and education to parents and caregivers, help monitor children’s developmental progress, and connect families to community resources. 

Many home visitor roles are part of Early Head Start, Parents as Teachers, or nonprofit family support programs. A CDA credential is often required or preferred for Early Head Start and similar positions, although some employers may also require additional certifications or an associate's degree.

Pay and demand:
Median Average Salary: $47,650

The average salary for home visitors is approximately $47,650 per year, with the top 10% earning around $67,242 annually. Pay varies significantly by state, experience level, and funding source. Demand remains stable, particularly in federally funded family support and early intervention programs.

Source: National Association of Social Workers

Beyond the Classroom: Human Services Careers

While a CDA credential primarily supports careers in early childhood education, it can also provide a foundation for future roles in related human services fields. If you choose to pursue additional education, your experience working with young children and families can be valuable for positions such as:

• Family Support Specialist
• Social Worker
• Parent Educator
• Case Manager

Most human services roles require at least a bachelor’s degree or further certifications, but your CDA training in child development, family engagement, and caregiving provides relevant experience that can support your transition into these careers.

Start Your CDA Training with ProSolutions

Earning a CDA prepares you for a variety of roles in early childhood education and can even open doors to human services careers. If you’re ready to take the next step, ProSolutions Training offers flexible, online CDA training that fits your schedule and supports your goals.

Get started today and move your career forward!