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.
Archives
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 within 30 days of the payment date 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 $525 of the cost of the CDA Application Fee, paid directly to the CDA Council.
How do I renew my Montessori Scholarship each term?
You can renew your Academic Scholarship for your Montessori program if you maintain an eligible employment status and good standing with your educational institution.
No earlier than 60 days prior to the start of your next term, submit a renewal application. Please include the following documents (if there isn’t a designated upload category for any of these documents, you can upload them as “Additional Documents” under the “Documents” section of your application):
- Copy of Proof of Enrollment and Good Standing Letter from your educational institution
- 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.
Montessori program terms are defined for the DECAL Scholarships program as follows: January-May, June-July, and August-December.
Do I need to apply for financial aid?
No. State and federal financial aid is not offered for MACTE-accredited Montessori Program Credentials.
How much will I receive from the Montessori Scholarships program?
If you meet the eligibility requirements each term you are enrolled, you will receive Scholarships funds as follows:
- A maximum of $1,500 per term (Montessori program terms are defined for the DECAL Scholarships program as follows: January-May, June-July, and August-December) toward the cost of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other scholarships at your Montessori program
- $150 per term
Can I apply if I work in an administrative position at a Montessori school?
Only if your administrative position is as an assistant director, director, or owner.
For the full list of eligible roles, please refer to the eligibility requirements at the top of this webpage.
Which educational institutions are eligible for Montessori Scholarships?
MACTE-accredited programs that meet the requirements for our Scholarships program are listed as follows: Covered Bridge Creativity Inc (CBCInc Training), Montessori Teacher Education Institute of Atlanta and Grace Montessori Teacher Education.
What does MACTE-accredited mean?
MACTE is the international standard setting and accrediting body for Montessori teacher education. MACTE was granted initial recognition by the U.S. Department of Education in 1995. The Montessori Teacher Education Institute of Atlanta and Grace Montessori hold their accredited status for their Early Childhood and Infant Toddler certification course levels from the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE). Click here to learn more.