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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.

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)