This booklet outlines the requirements of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for caregivers working in center-based infant and toddler day care programs. Part 1 provides an overview of the CDA credentialing system and the various options, settings, standards, and stages of the CDA assessment system. Part 2 explains the eligibility and documentation requirements. Part 3 delineates specific competency standards in the areas of: (1) safety; (2) health; (3) learning environment; (4) physical development; (5) cognitive development; (6) communicative ability; (7) creativity; (8) individual behavior; (9) socialization; (10) guidance; (11) family-school relations; (12) program management; and (13) professionalism. Part 4 contains four appendixes which provide a history of the CDA program, a glossary of CDA terms, advisory eligibility requirements, and council representative eligibility requirements. (MDM)