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Which credentials and degrees are eligible for Incentives?

The following credentials and degrees are eligible for the Incentives program:

Awarded by the CDA Council:

  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Awarded by a regionally accredited college or university:

  • Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC)
  • Technical College Diploma (TCD)
  • Associate Degree
    • With at least 30 credit hours in early childhood education-specific courses
  • Bachelor’s Degree
    • With at least 36 credit hours in early childhood education-specific courses
  • Master’s Degree

Awarded by a MACTE-accredited Montessori program:

  • Montessori Program Credential (infant/toddler and early childhood education only)

The program of study must have been in one of the following areas:

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Child Development
  • Elementary Education (Pre-K-5)
  • Childcare Program Administration
  • Family Child Care
  • School Age Care
  • Infant/Toddler Care

What documents must be uploaded with my CDA Renewal Scholarships application?

The following documents must be uploaded with your application:

  • Proof of 45 clock hours of professional development.

  • Copy of non-expired CDA credential (CDA credential must be within 6 months of expiration date and not expired).

  • 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.

  • 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).

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

The following documentation must be sent to DECAL Scholars in addition to your application:

  • Copy of official high school transcript showing completion of your CTE CDA/ECE Pathways coursework

  • 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)

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.”