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.

What is the Professional Development System (GaPDS)?

What is the Professional Development System (GaPDS)?

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.

DECAL Scholars programs, funded by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), empower Georgia’s early childhood educators to advance their careers and provide exceptional care and education to children and families. We envision a future where educators are dedicated to their profession, achieve their educational goals, and contribute to the highest standards of early childhood education in Georgia. DECAL Scholars programs for early childhood educators include Scholarships for the CDA credential and college credentials and degrees, Incentives salary bonuses, and educational counseling services. DECAL Scholars programs are managed by Care Solutions, Inc.

Rules and eligibility requirements are subject to change without notification. Applications are updated when program revisions occur.

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