Raising a family in the state of California is expensive. Low-income families struggle to make ends meet and are unable to afford the necessary child care services. We believe that all families deserve access to support services that will promote children’s healthy development and future success.

For over 48 years, Child Development Associates (CDA) has been creating opportunities for Southern California families to thrive. We’re a community-based, non-profit agency with over 240 employees dedicated to creating positive change in our local community. We offer affordable and reliable child care services to eligible families and nutrition reimbursement to licensed family child care homes. 

Alternative Payment Program
Helping families afford child care.

CDA’s Alternative Payment Program provides child care reimbursement for children in San Diego County, from birth through 12 years of age to the provider of the parent’s choice. This program allows eligible parents to choose the type of care they feel best meets the needs of their family. As a result, parents are able to work, look for work, or go to school.


Nutrition Program
Helping child care provider serve healthy meals.

CDA is the largest sponsor of the Federal USDA Child Care Food Program in the State of California. This program reimburses child care providers for the nutritious meals they serve to the children in their care. In the last year, CDA trained and reimbursed over 1,200 family child care providers who served over 6 million meals to children annually, enabling them to grow up healthy and develop nutritious eating habits for life.

Careers at CDA

The people here at CDA create a career of creating positive change. We’re proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that values our diverse workforce. Join CDA, and help us leave the world better than we found it. Learn more about CDA life here: https://cdasd.org

Health Care

Non Profit

Social Impact

Child Development Associates

Rick Richardson

Marcela Hernandez

Karina Chavez Saravia

Stephanie Mendez

Norma Hernandez

Child Care Services

Human Resources and Recruitment

Teams at Child Development Associates

Child Care Services

Human Resources and Recruitment