You must be 18 and have earned a high school diploma or GED to enter a CDA program. The Council for Professional Recognition lists 34 colleges in Alabama that have accredited CDA programs. For the complete list, see the "Resources" section.
According to the Council for Professional Recognition, an accredited CDA program will educate you on subjects including the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of children; business management and professionalism; planning a safe and healthy learning environment; and child development principles.
Online CDA training imposes the same requirements and offers the same curriculum as traditional college and allows for more flexibility in scheduling. Many Alabama universities and technical colleges allow you to combine online study with in-class study, if you still desire the social interaction of school. The University of Alabama is one example of a school that offers online child development classes.
Working for an established day care program, such as Head Start, can earn you a CDA degree. After you have logged 120 hours and you receive a letter of completion from your employer, apply for a CDA through the Council for Professional Recognition.