Mary Wardlaw, Ed.S.
Founder & Executive Director, National CDA Training
Mary Wardlaw, Ed.S., is the founder of National CDA Training, a leading online program dedicated to empowering early childhood educators nationwide. With more than two decades of experience as an early childhood leader, center owner, and mentor, Mary has helped hundreds of teachers gain the confidence, competence, and credentials needed to thrive in their careers.
Holding an Education Specialist degree in Early Childhood Education, Mary combines research-based best practices with real-world classroom insight to make CDA training practical, accessible, and inspiring. Her mission is simple: to elevate the early education workforce through high-quality, faith-grounded professional development that builds strong teachers, thriving centers, and bright beginnings for every child.
“I love the approach you are taking by using scenarios. I think this is so much better than “just the facts”. The topics are comprehensive, the scenarios are engaging, and the knowledge being passed through this approach is critically important.” - Dr. Lilla Dale McManis, MEd., PhD
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Corporate CDA Training Start Here
Stronger teachers, a program parents trust, and staff who stay. National CDA Training gets your team CDA-ready through real classroom scenarios — and we handle enrollment, progress tracking, and portfolios so you don’t have to.
The CDA Training Blog
Find out how and why you should get your CDA and learn more about working in preschool and child care.