What is a Bachelor’s Degree?

A Bachelor’s degree is a program of study offered at most of Georgia’s four-year public and private colleges and universities.

The following Bachelor’s degrees programs typically qualify for our Academic Scholarships program:

Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education (Pre-k-5)

Click here to download a list and map of all of the eligible colleges and universities offering ECE programs of study for Bachelor’s degrees that qualify for Academic Scholarships.

What is an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)?

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a program of study, offered onsite or online through Georgia’s technical colleges and some of Georgia’s public colleges and universities.

The following Associate degree programs typically qualify for our Academic Scholarships program:

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in:
- Early Childhood Education with specializations in:
  - Program Administration
  - Infant/Toddler Development
  - Exceptionalities
  - Arts Integration
  - Family Child Care

Click here to download a list and map of all of the eligible Technical Colleges offering early childhood education programs of study for Associate degrees that qualify for Academic Scholarships.

What is a Technical College Diploma (TCD)?

A Technical College Diploma (TCD) is a program of study offered through Georgia’s technical colleges, onsite or online.

The following TCD program typically qualifies for our Academic Scholarships program:

Technical College Diploma (TCD) in:
- Early Childhood Education

Click here to download a list and map of all of the Georgia HOPE-eligible Technical Colleges offering ECE programs of study for Technical College Diplomas that qualify for Academic Scholarships.

What is a Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC)?

A Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) is a short program of study leading to an entry-level credential offered through Georgia’s technical colleges onsite and/or online.

The following TCC programs typically qualify for our Academic Scholarships program:

Child Development Associate (CDA) Preparation
Child Development Specialist
Early Care and Education Basics
Early Childhood Program Administration
Early Childhood Exceptionalities
Family Child Care Specialist
GaTAPP Early Childhood Education Precertification
Infant/Toddler Care Specialist
Introduction to Child Care
School Age Care

Click here to download a list and map of all of the eligible Technical Colleges offering early childhood education programs of study for Technical Certificates of Credit that qualify for Academic Scholarships.

Which credentials and degrees can I earn?

DECAL Scholars provides tuition assistance through the Scholarships program for many credentials and degrees in early childhood education programs of study. The following credentials and degrees qualify for our Scholarships program:

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC)
Technical College Diploma (TCD)
Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS)
MACTE-accredited Montessori Program Credential (Infant/Toddler and Early Childhood Programs only)

When will I receive my CDA Training Scholarships POWER-ED payments?

If you are an approved DECAL Scholars CDA Training Scholarships recipient and your POWER-ED application has been approved for each 200-hour stage, you can expect to receive $1,000 after each stage of obtaining your credential.

I just earned my CDA credential. Can I receive CDA POWER-ED payments?

Once you have completed the entire process of earning your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, you will not be able to apply to the CDA Training Scholarships POWER-ED program. The CDA Training Scholarships POWER-ED program is only for approved CDA Training Scholarships recipients that are in the process of earning their CDA credential, but have not completed the entire process yet.

If you have earned your CDA credential, you may be eligible for our Incentives program. Click here to learn more.

What documents must be uploaded with my Montessori Scholarships application?

The following documents must be uploaded with your application:

Acceptance letter
Copy of your Georgia Professional Development System Profile – click here to learn more about GaPDS
Copy of the front and back of a secure and verifiable document – click here to see the list
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.
(Optional) Enrollment contract
(Optional) Course schedule

What documents must be uploaded with my Academic Scholarships application?

The following documents must be uploaded with your application:

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 your Submission Summary from financial aid and then your award/denial letter once available.
Your schedule of classes.
Copy of your Professional Development System (GaPDS) profile reflecting your GaPDS number, the name of your current employer, and a “Pending” or “Active” status.
Copy of the front and back of a secure and verifiable document.