Why might it be important for home-based providers to have a child development associate degree (CDA) in addition to a high school diploma? Home-based providers are responsible for preparing children to pass annual standardized tests, so the providers must be educated in childhood development to be able to teach. Home-based providers must have a bachelor of arts (BA), which often includes enough courses to achieve a CDA. Home-based providers are responsible for preparing developmentally appropriate activities, so they must have a thorough knowledge of the stages of childhood development. Home-based providers must pass a test to be certified and registered with their state, so it is important for them to be educated in childhood development.