Am I eligible for POWER-ED?

Providing Our Workforce Essential Recognition for Educational Development (POWER-ED) is a program that distributes wage supplements to support the workforce as they attain credentials and degrees in Early Childhood Education.

POWER-ED workforce supplements are currently only available for DECAL Scholars CDA Training Scholarships recipients. Click here to learn more about POWER-ED for CDA Training Scholarships recipients.

Can I complete my verification visit and exam before my CDA Application Fee Scholarships application is approved?

If you have completed your CDA training, you can create a YourCouncil account and get ahead with filling in all of the information needed, compiling your portfolio, selecting your Professional Development Specialist (PDS) and your exam date, and more. However, you will not be able to complete your PDS verification visit or exam until the CDA Council receives payment from the CDA Application Fee Scholarship. Once the CDA Council receives payment, you will have 6 months to complete your exam and verification visit.

I failed my CDA Exam. What now?

DECAL Scholars offers each applicant two Application Fee Scholarships—one for the initial application and another for a second attempt if the exam is not passed on the first try. If this applies to you, simply submit a new Application Fee Scholarship application. Don’t forget to upload the letter from the CDA Council for Professional Recognition notifying you that you did not pass the CDA exam in the “Documents” section of your application under “Additional Documents.”

Can I continue receiving Scholarships for college after I earn my CDA credential?

Yes, DECAL Scholars Scholarships programs are here to support you throughout your educational journey. Visit our Academic Scholarships page to learn more about the next steps you can take to receive a college credential or degree.

Am I eligible for the CDA Application Fee Scholarship if I received CDA training funding elsewhere?

Yes, if you have completed your CDA training with a Georgia-approved trainer and you meet the eligibility requirements of our CDA Scholarships program, you can apply for the CDA Application Fee Scholarship.

What documents must be uploaded with my CDA Application Fee Scholarships application?

The following documents must be uploaded with your application:

Copy of certificate or academic transcript documenting 120 clock-hours of CDA training with a Georgia-approved trainer.
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.
Copy of YourCouncil (CDA Council) CDA Profile page reflecting your customer ID number.
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).

Do I pay for the CDA Application Fee and submit my receipt for reimbursement?

Submitting your application and allowing DECAL Scholars to pay the CDA Council directly for your application fee after approval is a much faster payment process.

You also have the option to pay the CDA application fee yourself to the CDA Council and submit the receipt to DECAL Scholars with your application for reimbursement. Please note that this method may require a longer payment process.

How much will I receive from the CDA Application Fee Scholarships program?

Once your CDA Scholarships application is approved, DECAL Scholars will cover up to $425 of the cost of the CDA Application Fee, paid directly to the CDA Council.

What is the Professional Development System (GaPDS)?

The Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS), offered by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, supports the early care and education workforce. It enables you to build a comprehensive profile of your career, including your employment history, training hours, and earned credentials or degrees. You must create a profile on the GaPDS website to apply for DECAL Scholars programs.

Getting started is simple! You can register even if you haven’t earned a credential or degree yet. Download your free guide to creating a GaPDS account by clicking here. To learn more or to create your account, visit gapds.decal.ga.gov.

For questions or technical assistance, contact the GaPDS team at 404-334-6461 (or toll-free at 866-258-7737 outside metro Atlanta) or email them at gapds@decal.ga.gov.

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.