The Indiana AEYC CDA Navigator plays a vital role in supporting early childhood educators across Indiana as they work toward earning their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Navigators assist candidates throughout the entire process, ensuring they have the guidance, resources, and support needed for success.

They also lead outreach and recruitment efforts for INAEYC scholarship opportunities, including the TEACH Scholarship Project, Indiana Non-Formal Project, and the Self-Paced Scholarship Project.

In partnership with the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning, CDA Navigators provide technical assistance to educators and community partners. Their support includes course planning guidance, evaluating training certificates to meet the required 120 clock hours, assisting with the development of the professional portfolio, and answering questions about the Professional Development Specialist (PDS) visit and CDA exam—the final steps in the assessment process administered by the Council for Professional Recognition.

Navigators also collaborate with community-based CDA programs and maintain strong connections with Indiana’s higher education institutions. Their ongoing support ensures clear, consistent, and reliable assistance for educators from the start of their CDA journey to credential completion.