儿童发展助理资格证书（ECA）适用于希望从专业认可委员会获得国家儿童发展助理资格证书（CDA）的学生。获得国家证书将为学生提供早期护理和教育计划的入门级职位。ECA证书符合获得CDA所需的专业发展要求，并为学生做好了完成其专业档案袋和资源文件的准备。有可选的实习机会，可帮助学生获得获得CDA所需的480个小时的专业经验。评估的其他要求超出了此证书的范围。
The Child Development Associate Certificate of Competency (ECA) is intended for students who wish to earn the national Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) from the Council for Professional Recognition. Earning the national credential will prepare the student for entry-level positions in early care and education programs. The ECA certificate meets the required professional development for earning the CDA and prepares the student to complete their Professional Portfolio and Resource file. There are optional internships available to assist the student in acquiring the 480 hours of professional experience required to earn the CDA. There are additional requirements for assessment that are outside the scope of this certificate.