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U-LAUNCH-YOU Early Learning Academy
U-LAUNCH: Virginia
Childhood Development Credential
Empowering Professionals. Elevating Standards. Launching Careers.
U-LAUNCH: YOU Early Learning Academy is our proprietary professional development and training program, where all Childhood Development Home Associates (CDHA) and their staff are required to earn the U-LAUNCH: Virginia Childhood Development Credential (formerly U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Credential of Virginia).
The Academy is also open for enrollment to anyone enrolled in a GED program and to high school students currently taking Early Childhood Development courses. It provides an inclusive, accessible pathway for individuals passionate about working with children to gain the knowledge, confidence, and credentialing needed to launch or advance their careers in early childhood education.
What Makes the U-LAUNCH Credential Unique
The U-LAUNCH: Virginia Childhood Development Credential was intentionally designed to align with:
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The Virginia Early Childhood Development Alignment Project: Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals
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8VAC20-780-190 Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers (Program Director Qualifications)
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Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) subsidy training requirements
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National credential standards
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Virginia Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) Micro-Credential
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CWSE5691: Recognizing, Responding, Reporting for Educators
Unlike other credentials, the U-LAUNCH Credential never expires, offering lifelong recognition of each Associate’s professional achievements and ongoing commitment to high-quality care and education.
Credential Requirements
The U-LAUNCH: Virginia Childhood Development Credential meets and exceeds 8VAC20-780-190 Program Director Qualifications by requiring:
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Completion of a high school program, GED, or equivalent
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480 hours of experience working with children in a group setting
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Demonstrated competency in:
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Health, Safety, and Nutritional Practices
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Understanding Child Growth and Development
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Appropriate Child Observation and Assessment
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Partnering with Families and Communities
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Learning Environment
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Effective Interactions (Teacher/Student and Student/Student)
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Program Management
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Teacher Qualifications and Professional Development
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120 clock hours of child-related training, including documented mastery and observed application of skills
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180 hours in a child-related field or credential program
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Two years of programmatic experience, with at least one year in a supervisory capacity
Competency-Based Growth
Within each content area, the Academy defines four cumulative competency levels, establishing a clear progression from foundational skills to advanced professional expertise. This structure promotes continuous learning, reflective practice, and long-term career growth for every Childhood Development Home Associate.
A Credential That Lasts a Lifetime
At U-LAUNCH: YOU Early Learning Academy, we believe education should open doors that never close.
The U-LAUNCH: Virginia Childhood Development Credential is more than a certificate—it’s a career milestone, a standard of excellence, and a commitment to quality care that lasts a lifetime.
Competency Levels & Competency Content Areas
Empowering Professionals. Elevating Standards. Launching Careers.
A Credential that aligns with Virginia Training Requirements and National Standards
LEVEL 01
Implement Practices According to Program Guidelines and Policies
The general requirements are two years of programmatic experience with one year in a staff supervisory capacity AND:
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Resume with (2) Professional References
• 480 hrs. of Programmatic Experience
• 120 clock hours of Programmatic Training to include:
• Virginia ELDS Micro-Credential
• Virginia Preservice Training
• Annual Virginia Health & Safety Update Training
• Daily Health Observation
• CPR & First Aid Child, Pediatric, & Adult
• Child Abuse & Neglect/Mandated Reporter Training
LEVEL 02
Demonstrate the Skills Present at the Previous Level. Work Independently and Take Initiative in Designing Environments to Facilitate Development
The general requirements are:
• Level 1 prerequisites
• 1 Year of programmatic experience
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training
LEVEL 03
Demonstrate the skills present at the previous levels. In addition, they design, assess, and modify the learning environment to meet children's changing needs. They also model excellent practices and encourage others to develop proficiency in skills
The general requirements are:
• Levels 1 & 2 prerequisites
• 1 Year of supervisory experience
• Medication Administration Training (MAT)
• Food Handlers Card
LEVEL 04
Demonstrate the Skills Present at the Previous Level. Work Independently and Take Initiative in Designing Environments to Facilitate Development
The general requirements are:
• Levels 1-3 prerequisites
• Virginia Notary Public (optional)
• Serv Safe Manager
• CLASS Observer Certification
🎓 U-LAUNCH: Virginia Childhood Development Credential
A Credential that Aligns with Virginia Training Requirements and National Standards
The U-LAUNCH: Virginia Childhood Development Credential is our proprietary credential designed to recognize, validate, and elevate the professional competencies of early childhood educators across the Commonwealth.
It aligns directly with Virginia-recognized certifications and training standards required to operate as a membered Childhood Development Home Associate or as a licensed provider. This credential acknowledges an individual’s mastery of foundational early childhood theory and its practical application—demonstrating readiness to serve as a competent early childhood professional in Virginia.
💰 Credential Fees
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Standard Credential Fee: $375.00
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Competency Level Reassessment Fee: $187.50 (required annually, no sooner than one year from the initial credential date)
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Member Benefit: Members of U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes receive access to the credential at no cost.
🧩 Credential Components
The U-LAUNCH: Virginia Childhood Development Credential consists of three integrated parts designed to measure knowledge, application, and professional growth:
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Rigorous Competency Assessment Test – Evaluates mastery of early childhood principles and standards.
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Professional Development E-Portfolio – Demonstrates applied learning, reflection, and continued growth.
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Observation Visit (In-Person or Virtual) – Assesses real-time implementation of best practices in child development and program management.
Successful candidates who meet all requirements receive:
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The U-LAUNCH: Virginia Childhood Development Credential,
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A training transcript, and
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An official letter of completion verifying competency across all eight core areas.
🌱 Core Areas of Competency
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Health, Safety, and Nutritional Practices
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Understanding Child Growth and Development
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Appropriate Child Observation and Assessment
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Partnering with Families and Communities
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Learning Environment
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Effective Interactions (Teacher/Student and Student/Student)
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Program Management
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Teacher Qualifications and Professional Development
🏆 Your Path to Professional Excellence
Whether you’re a membered Childhood Development Home Associate or a licensed provider, this credential positions you to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact on Virginia’s youngest learners.
U-LAUNCH: VCDC — Virginia Childhood Development Credential
Aligned with 8VAC20-780-190, the U-LAUNCH: Virginia Childhood Development Credential validates your qualifications to serve as a Program Director in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
This credential confirms compliance with state standards while strengthening your leadership capacity, professional credibility, and career mobility within early childhood programs.
Ready to take the next step?
Click below to submit your $375 credential fee and begin your pathway to professional excellence.
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Competency Level Reassessment
The Competency Level Reassessment fee applies to candidates who are:
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Seeking to retake the U-LAUNCH: Virginia Childhood Development Credential (VCDC) evaluation, or
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Requesting to transfer an expired CDA Credential for equivalency review.
This process ensures every candidate has a fair and consistent opportunity to demonstrate competency in alignment with the credential’s required of Virginia and national standards.
Member Benefit: Active U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Home Associates (CDHA) receive one complimentary reassessment per year, supporting continued growth and professional advancement within the U-LAUNCH network.
Reassessment Fee: $187.50
Micro
Credential
The U-LAUNCH: Virginia Early Learning Micro-Credential provides 60 approved training hours aligned with Virginia’s early childhood education requirements.
This micro-credential offers structured professional development for educators seeking to strengthen their competencies, meet annual training obligations, and advance along recognized credentialing pathways within the early childhood field.
Micro-Credential Fee: $187.50