๐ŸŽ“ Be CDA-ready in as little as 3 months โ€” 100% online, self-paced!
National CDA Training
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Mary Wardlaw โ€” National CDA Training
100% Online ยท Self-Paced ยท Scenario-Based

Learn Your CDA
by Doing It โ€”

Through Real Classroom Scenarios

Taught by a 30-year early childhood leader, this 100% online, self-paced course walks you through real classroom scenarios โ€” so the knowledge actually sticks and the portfolio practically writes itself.

Choose Your Track โ†’ See How It Works
100%
Online & Self-Paced
Learn from anywhere, on your schedule
3 Months
Be CDA-Ready In As Little As
Without quitting your job or rearranging your life
30 Years
Of Early Childhood Experience
Scenario-based curriculum from a proven leader
The Science Behind the Method

Why “Scenario-Based” Changes Everything

“
The most effective way to learn is through real-life scenarios and this course offers exactly that.
โ€” Dr. Lilla Dale McManis, MEd, PhD
Early Childhood Education Researcher

Traditional CDA courses ask you to memorize. This course asks you to practice. Each module places you inside a real classroom situation. Your brain processes it as genuine experience โ€” which is why our graduates walk into their verification visit with real confidence, not just test-ready facts.

What You Get Out of This

Four Things You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

โฑ

Finish Faster.

Most students complete the coursework in under 3 months โ€” without quitting their job or rearranging their life.

โœ…

Actually Be Ready.

You don’t just learn the 13 CDA subject areas โ€” you practice applying them through realistic scenarios so you walk into your verification visit with real confidence.

๐Ÿ“„

Portfolio, Handled.

Every module builds your portfolio as you go. By the time you finish the course, your portfolio is essentially done.

๐Ÿ™‹

Real Support.

You’re not doing this alone. Email support, live Q&A sessions, and a private student community mean you always have someone to ask.

Mary Wardlaw, Ed.S.
About Your Instructor

Mary Wardlaw, Ed.S.

Early Childhood Leader ยท Founder, National CDA Training

Mary created this course so that learning the CDA feels like real classroom experience โ€” not memorizing a textbook. Training should make you better in the classroom, not just on paper.

With 30 years as an early childhood educator, center owner, and director, she understands exactly what it feels like to manage a classroom, work with families, and prove your competence. Every module she built reflects that lived reality.

30+
Years Experience
Ed.S.
Ed. Specialist Degree
120hrs
Full CDA Training
Enrollment

Get Your CDA Credential Your Way

From complete training to portfolio-only โ€” pick the track that fits where you are in your CDA journey.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Best value โ€” save when you pay in full
๐Ÿ“š
Basic

Basic Track

$497
pay in full ยท 6 months access
  • โœ“Complete online course
  • โœ“Portfolio templates
  • โœ“Exam prep materials
  • โœ“Mobile app access
  • โœ“Email support
  • ยท6 months access
Get Started โ†’
โœจ MOST POPULAR
โœจ
Guided

Guided Track

$797
pay in full ยท 12 months access
Everything in Basic, plus:
  • โœ“Digital CDA Portfolio Assistant
  • โœ“Live Q&A sessions
  • โœ“Private student community
  • โœ“Verification visit prep
  • โœ“Priority support
  • ยท12 months access
Enroll in Guided โ†’
๐Ÿ‘‘
VIP

VIP Track

$1,297
pay in full ยท lifetime access
Everything in Guided, plus:
  • โœ“Lifetime access to all trainings
  • โœ“Preschool + Infant & Toddler
  • โœ“Digital CDA Portfolio Assistant
  • โœ“VIP-only coaching community
Enroll in VIP โ†’
๐Ÿ› ๏ธ
Portfolio Only

Portfolio Assistant

Limited Time Introductory Price
$49
one-time payment
  • โœ“All 6 competency statements
  • โœ“Philosophy statement
  • โœ“9 activity planning forms
  • โœ“One-click print, binder-ready
  • โœ“Book bibliography search
Get Started โ€” $49 โ†’

Already have your training hours? This is all you need.

What Students Are Saying

Real Results from Real Childcare Professionals

“
The most effective way to learn is through real-life scenarios and this course offers exactly that.
Dr. Lilla Dale McManis, MEd, PhD
Early Childhood Education Researcher
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
“I see this as a huge timesaver, a huge gift that you’ve given to owners across the globe. These are super, real-life scenarios. It puts people in the mindset of really becoming aware and saying, ‘What would I really do?'”
Julie Bartkus
Best-selling Author, Child Care Business Success ยท Founder, Child Care Program of Excellence
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
“I love the scenarios because you get to think about each option and which one fits better than another. I also like the flexibility. After following through with each scenario, it was awesome to see why my choices were right from wrong.”
Jamie Burch
Child Care Professional
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We’re confident you’ll find this the most practical, engaging CDA preparation available. If you’re not satisfied within the first 30 days, contact us for a full, no-questions-asked refund. Your investment is completely protected.

Ready to Get Started?

Choose your track below and be CDA-ready in as little as 3 months.

Choose Your Track โ†’
30-day money-back guarantee ยท No contracts ยท Start immediately after enrollment
National CDA Training

100% online, self-paced CDA training built around real classroom scenarios. Taught by Mary Wardlaw, Ed.S. โ€” a 30-year early childhood leader.

info@nationalcdatraining.com
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Basic Track โ€” $497 Guided Track โ€” $797 VIP Track โ€” $1,297 Portfolio Only โ€” $49 CDA Renewal
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