Career Training Group

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Equipping educators with the tools to thrive

CDA Programs

CDA Programs

Empowering your next step with training that builds confidence, sharpens skills, and moves your career forward.

Empowering Louisiana’s ECE Workforce

Excellence Through Training

Career Training Group (CTG) is a BESE-approved Child Development Associate (CDA) ancillary program based in Louisiana. We prepare early care and education (ECE) professionals with the knowledge, tools, and practices they need to thrive—both in the classroom and beyond. High-quality care starts with a skilled, supported workforce, and CTG is committed to helping ECE professionals grow, succeed, and make a lasting impact.

Participants standing and writing notes; focus on attendee at left, others blurred in background.
Recognized ECE Credential

What Is A CDA?

A CDA, or Child Development Associate, is a nationally recognized credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition. It demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with young children, typically from birth to age five.

This credential is often required or preferred for roles in early childhood education (ECE) programs and is considered a key step for professional development in the field. Whether you’re entering the workforce or looking to advance, earning a CDA helps establish your commitment to high-quality early care and education.

Coach Raeyna Woodside-Howard engaging with program participants during orientation.
Support That Goes Beyond

Get Certified with CTG

Career Training Group (CTG) offers more than just a path to certification. Our BESE-approved program provides a well-rounded experience with in-depth training, one-on-one coaching, and leadership development. We focus on equipping educators not just to meet the requirements—but to thrive in real-world classrooms.

Participants in CTG’s program benefit from enhanced job prospects, increased confidence, and a deeper understanding of child development and best practices. From start to finish, CTG offers the tools, support, and community that early childhood educators need to succeed and grow in their careers.

Coach Raeyna Woodside-Howard engaging with program participants during orientation.
Speaker facing the audience, holding up a CTG-branded spiral book while presenting during orientation.
Key takeaways

Benefits & Structure

  • 120 clock hours
  • Mentor coaching
  • Monthly coaching sessions
  • Peer learning group
  • Assisted portfolio development
  • Candidate progress reports
Cohort 3 orientation participants engaged in excited conversation with each other.
Scholarship for Louisiana Residents

Confirm Your Qualification

Please note: This scholarship is only available to Louisiana residents.

Before you begin, determine if you qualify by answering the questions below:

  1. Have you previously attended another BESE approved CDA/Ancillary program?
  2. Do you have an AA or BA degree?
  3. Do you currently have a CDA credential?

If you answer yes to any of the questions above, you will not qualify for the scholarship to attend this program.

Cohort 3 orientation participants engaged in excited conversation with each other.

CDA Application Process

Interested in applying for our CDA program? Learn more about the steps involved or begin your application below.

Get a full overview of the current CDA application steps, requirements, and timeline.

Note: Application links are only active during open admission periods. If links are not working, admissions may be currently closed.