This paper reviews the history of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, created in 1972 to meet the growing need for skilled child care workers to provide quality programs for young children in the United States. A pilot program was launched in 1974, leading to the granting of CDA credentials in 1975. Since 1976 over 60,000 CDA credentials have been awarded, and Head Start's current mandate includes one CDA per classroom. Critiques of the CDA system are reviewed, as are adaptations and variations on the original curriculum and model. Other nontraditional child care training and credential programs are also described. It is concluded that the CDA credential has created a cadre of competent, skilled educators and caregivers. Weaknesses and challenges associated with the program include confusion about the status of CDAs within the early childhood profession, self-regulation within the credentialing process, and the limited scope of the credential in non-Head Start settings. (Contains 56 references.) (PB)