Due to increased interest in DECAL Scholars programs, applications for Scholarships are paused until further notice. Any complete applications received before February 17, 2025, will still be processed. Please check back for future updates.
Yes, you can receive both the CDA Renewal Scholarship and Academic Scholarships at the same time. 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.
The following documents must be uploaded with your application:
Proof of 45 clock hours of professional development.
Copies of two recent pay stubs reflecting your name, the name of your employer, and your gross (before deductions) wages. Family child care learning home providers and owners who do not pay themselves W2 wages submit a copy of last year’s Schedule C or other federal tax form documenting net business income.
No, you can only apply to receive the CDA Renewal Scholarship from DECAL Scholars for one CDA renewal.
Once your CDA Scholarships application is approved, DECAL Scholars will cover up to $150 of the cost of the CDA Credential Renewal, paid directly to the CDA Council.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Rules and eligibility requirements are subject to change without notification. Applications are updated when program revisions occur.
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