OK · Reaching for the Stars
Oklahoma — CDA & ECE Workforce Credentials
Oklahoma places CDA at OPDL Level 5; the long-running universal-access state pre-K (since 1998) requires state teacher cert with EC endorsement (B-3).
Data current as of April 2026.
CDA acceptance & requirements
- Lead teacher requirements: Oklahoma DHS Child Care Services licensing accepts CDA. CDA = Level 5 on the Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL).
- Assistant teacher requirements: Minimum age 18, HS diploma/GED, plus required orientation and ongoing PD.
- Director requirements: Oklahoma Director's Credential for ECE administrators.
- State-funded pre-K (Oklahoma's universal-access pre-K, since 1998): Operates through public schools; requires state teacher cert with EC endorsement (Oklahoma Early Childhood Certification). CDA does not satisfy.
- QRIS: Reaching for the Stars — Oklahoma's QRIS. Higher star (3) ratings require master teachers + AA/BA mix.
- T.E.A.C.H. & apprenticeship: T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Oklahoma is administered through OK Child Care Resource and Referral Association.
State-specific ECE workforce credentials
- Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL) — Administered by the Center for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD) at the University of Oklahoma. Multi-level career ladder. CDA = Level 5.
- Oklahoma Director's Credential for ECE administrators.
- Oklahoma State Department of Education — Early Childhood Education (B-3) certification for public-school universal pre-K; BA + state EPP.
Notable state context
Oklahoma's universal-access state pre-K (since 1998) is among the longest-running in the country and operates entirely through public schools with state teacher cert requirements — the bifurcation between licensed care (CDA at OPDL Level 5) and state pre-K (BA + cert) is sharp and well-established. CECPD at OU is the central training and credential infrastructure.