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How do I apply for Incentives?

We are not offering the Incentives program at this time. We will post updates on our website regarding future program availability.

Could my support stipend be taxable?

Yes, your support stipend could be considered taxable income. If you receive an IRS Form 1099, you must report the amount as income on your tax return.

Please contact a tax professional with any questions you have about how to report this on your taxes.

Do I need to apply for financial aid? What if I’m ineligible to receive any more financial aid?

To qualify for funding through the Academic Scholarships – College program, you must first apply for financial aid or provide proof of ineligibility.

How do I know if I’m ineligible for financial aid?
If you have already earned a Bachelor’s degree, you are no longer eligible for financial aid. In this case, simply upload a copy of your diploma or unofficial transcript with your Academic Scholarships application. Alternatively, if you have other documentation confirming your ineligibility for financial aid, you can submit that instead. Upload this document as an “additional document” during the “Documents” step of your application.

If approved for Academic Scholarships, you will receive a support stipend each semester you are enrolled, regardless of whether your tuition and mandatory fees are fully covered by financial aid.

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). 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.

Are Incentives payments taxable?

Yes, Incentives is considered taxable income. You will receive an IRS Form 1099 as required and must report the Incentives payment as income on your tax return.

Please contact a tax professional with any questions you have about how to report this on your taxes.

My credential or degree is more than 5 years old. Can I still qualify?

If your credential or degree was not earned in the past 5 years, you will not qualify for Incentives. Incentives is an annual salary bonus program that rewards early childhood educators (that have been with their current, eligible employer for at least 1 year) for up to 5 years after receiving each credential or degree in early childhood education.

What documents must be uploaded with my Incentives application?

The following documents must be uploaded with your application:

CDA credential:

  • A copy of your valid Child Development Associate (CDA)™ credential

(OR) College credential or degree:

  • A copy of your official transcript (unofficial transcripts and diplomas are not accepted)

(OR) Montessori program credential:

  • A copy of your official MACTE-accredited Montessori program credential

Other required documents:

  • 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 you paystubs do not meet these requirements, we may ask for additional information.
  • A copy of your Professional Development System (GaPDS) profile reflecting your GaPDS number, a “Pending” or “Active” status, and the name of your current employer.
  • A legible copy of the FRONT and BACK of a secure and verifiable document.