DECAL Scholars CDA Training Scholarship (Georgia) is sponsored by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). This scholarship offers financial assistance to eligible early childhood educators in Georgia to cover the cost of the 120-hour CDA Training.

CDA Training Scholarships – DECAL Scholars Looking for DECAL QR Payments (to apply for the $500 Quality Rated Workforce Bonus)? Click here.

CDA Training Scholarships Financial assistance for early childhood educators in Georgia to cover the cost of training while they earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential After an eligible applicant has selected and signed up for CDA training with a CDA trainer listed on the Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS) , DECAL Scholars offers CDA Training Scholarships to cover up to $500 of the cost of the CDA training, which is paid directly to the CDA trainer indicated in the application.

Our team created a guide that goes step by step through the CDA Training application. Read our frequently asked questions Applications for CDA Training Scholarships will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Close: September 15, 2026 COMING SOON: A video to learn all about CDA Scholarships!

To qualify for our CDA Training Scholarships program, you must meet the following criteria: You’re one of the following: You must have maintained 6 months of continuous employment in one of the following paid roles (unpaid hours do not qualify) : You must work a minimum of 30 hours per week if your employer is a(n): Child care learning center licensed by DECAL or the Department of Defense Family child care learning home licensed by DECAL Exempt Georgia Head Start center Georgia Lottery-funded Pre-K program in a public school You must work a minimum of 15 hours per week if your employer is an: After school program licensed by DECAL You must be currently enrolled and have been invoiced for the training within the previous 30 days.

If you’re submitting a receipt for reimbursement, the invoice paid date must be within the past 30 days. Our team created a handout that goes step-by-step through each component of earning your CDA with DECAL Scholars. Feel free to download, print it out, and share it.

Descargar la versión en español CDA Training Scholarships Frequently Asked Questions What happened to the CDA POWER-ED program? The program ended in 2025. What documents must be uploaded with my CDA Training Scholarships application?

The following documents must be uploaded with your application: Copies of two recent paystubs reflecting the name of your employer, your name, and gross and net year-to-date wages. If you are a Family Child Care Learning Home or a Director/Owner and do not pay yourself W-2 wages, you should submit a copy of last year’s Schedule C, Schedule K, or other federal tax form documenting net business income.

If your paystubs do not meet these requirements, we may ask for additional information. Invoice from CDA trainer outlining the cost of CDA training, name of applicant, and who is to be paid (applicant, business, or trainer). The date of the invoice must be within the past 30 days of submitting your application.

Have the trainer sign and date the invoice if possible. Copy of the FRONT and BACK of a secure and verifiable document . Copy of your Georgia Professional Development System profile reflecting your GaPDS number, the name of your current employer, and a “Pending” or “Active” status ( click here for more information ).

Can I choose a Spanish CDA trainer? (¿Puedo elegir un formador de CDA en español?) Yes, if the trainer you choose is a Georgia-approved CDA trainer eligible for our CDA Training Scholarships on the Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS) for Early Childhood Educators.

You can search for a trainer based on the language they offer their training in as well as their training format (face-to-face, online, or hybrid). Make sure you check the box for CDA Training in the search criteria. Click here to visit their website and find your trainer.

Sí, si el formador que elijas es un formador de CDA aprobado por Georgia y elegible para nuestras Becas de Capacitación CDA en el Sistema de Desarrollo Profesional de Georgia (GaPDS) para Educadores de la Primera Infancia. Puedes buscar un formador según el idioma en el que ofrecen su capacitación, así como el formato de la capacitación (presencial, en línea o híbrido).

Asegúrate de marcar la casilla para “Capacitación CDA” en los criterios de búsqueda. Haz clic aquí para visitar su sitio web y encontrar a tu formador. What is the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential?

While not a college credential, the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is an entry-level credential that is widely recognized in the industry, issued by the Council for Professional Recognition .

Earning the CDA credential is a three-step process that requires: 120 clock hours of CDA training covering 8 subject areas Experience in the classroom and compiling a portfolio CDA Exam and verification visit by a Professional Development Specialist (PDS) The CDA credential must be renewed every three years. Click here to visit the Council for Professional Recognition’s website for complete information.

Several technical colleges provide programs that allow for the transfer of CDA training into college credits, although the specific rules vary among institutions. To obtain more information on this opportunity, it is recommended to contact the early childhood education department at the technical college of your preference. I’ve completed my CDA training.

How do I apply for my CDA credential? Congratulations on completing your CDA training! The next step is to create an account on YourCouncil to apply for your CDA credential.

YourCouncil has all of the information you need to learn how to compile your CDA portfolio, select your PD specialist, choose an observation date, and choose your exam date. DECAL Scholars offers a CDA Application Fee Scholarship to cover the cost of the exam and verification visit. Learn more about the Application Fee Scholarship here .

Which supporting document formats will DECAL Scholars accept? It is important that you send all supporting documents at the time of completing your application to avoid any delays in processing. DECAL Scholars accepts legible PDFs, screenshots, photo copies, scans, and photos (only in JPG format, not HEIC ).

Please do not send documents as links. I’m overwhelmed by all the steps to receive my CDA credential. Are there resources available to help?

The CDA Council awards the CDA credential. Therefore, they are the first and best source for all of your questions about the credential itself. Visit their website , contact them by phone at (800) 424-4310 or email at cdafeedback@cdacouncil.

org. Our team has created this helpful “ 7 Steps to Earn Your CDA ” infographic that can help you understand the timeline of earning your credential with support from DECAL Scholars. Plus, there are helpful contacts and FAQs on the back.

Click here to download the Guide I didn’t use DECAL Scholars when I originally paid for my CDA training. Can I submit my receipt for reimbursement? Yes, you can submit your receipt for reimbursement, provided you submit your complete application with all supporting documents within 30 days of the date you paid for the CDA training.

To be reimbursed, you must include your receipt as proof of payment in place of the CDA trainer’s invoice. Please note that your DECAL Scholars CDA Training Scholarship application cannot be submitted after you’ve already submitted your DECAL Scholars CDA Application Fee Scholarship application. How much will I receive from the CDA Training Scholarships program?

Once your CDA Scholarships application is approved, DECAL Scholars will cover up to $500 of the cost of the CDA trainer, paid directly to the CDA trainer. Where can I find an approved CDA trainer? Find a Georgia-approved CDA trainer eligible for our CDA Training Scholarships on the Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS) for Early Childhood Educators.

You can even search for a trainer based on their training format (face-to-face, online, or hybrid), or based on the language they offer their training in. Make sure you check the box for CDA Training in the search criteria. Click here to visit their website and find your trainer.

DECAL Scholars programs, funded by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), empower Georgia’s early childhood educators to advance their careers and provide exceptional care and education to children and families. We envision a future where educators are committed to the profession, achieve their career goals, and provide Georgia’s children with high quality early care and education.

DECAL Scholars programs for early childhood educators include Scholarships for the CDA credential, college credentials and degrees, Montessori credentials, and educational counseling services. DECAL Scholars programs are managed by Care Solutions, Inc. These programs are funded in whole or in part by the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and are subject to the availability of funds.

All applicable provisions, rules and regulations of the funding source must be followed. Programs may be reduced or discontinued at any time if the Department (DECAL) determines that adequate funds are not available or have been de-appropriated.