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Georgia’s child care providers play a pivotal role in shaping the early education and development of young children. To support their professional growth, Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) operates the DECAL Scholars Program, which provides financial and educational assistance to individuals pursuing early-childhood credentials and degrees. For providers seeking the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, DECAL Scholars can offset training and assessment costs and connect learners with approved trainers. ChildCareEd offers 120-hour CDA courses that many Georgia providers use, for example the CDA Preschool Credential 
Buy Now $500.00$400.00 and the CDA Family Child Care Credential Buy Now $500.00$400.00, and the site also explains the CDA steps in detail (learn more).
What is the CDA Credential?
The CDA Credential is a nationally recognized certification awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. It shows that an early childhood educator has demonstrated proficiency in safety, health, child development, and productive learning environments. To earn the CDA, providers must complete 120 hours of formal education in early childhood development and have at least 480 hours of professional experience working with children. They must also complete a final assessment that includes a professional portfolio, an observation, and the CDA exam.
How does the DECAL Scholars Program support CDA candidates in Georgia?
The Georgia DECAL Scholars Program is designed to help early childhood educators advance their careers and education. One of the major benefits of the program is that it offers financial support for CDA training, making it more accessible for providers to achieve this essential credential. For practical steps and the GaPDS requirement, see DECAL Scholars guidance (DECAL Scholars guidance). Here's how DECAL Scholars supports providers seeking the CDA:
- Scholarships for CDA Training: DECAL Scholars offers scholarships that cover a significant portion of the costs associated with completing the 120 hours of required CDA training. This financial assistance ensures that more child care providers in Georgia can afford to pursue the credential without the burden of excessive costs.
- Reimbursement for CDA Application Fees: In addition to covering training costs, DECAL Scholars may also reimburse applicants for the CDA assessment fee, which is required by the Council for Professional Recognition to complete the credentialing process.
- CDA Credential Award Supplements: Once providers have successfully earned their CDA, they are eligible for salary supplements through the DECAL Scholars program. These supplements provide financial rewards for continuing their professional development and reaching educational milestones.
How can providers use the DECAL Scholars Program to pursue a CDA?
- Step 1: Apply for DECAL Scholars Funding
- Providers must first apply for the DECAL Scholars Program by submitting an application through the DECAL Scholars website. The application process is simple and requires providers to demonstrate their commitment to earning a CDA or other qualifying credential. Once approved, providers can receive scholarships to cover the cost of their CDA training.
- Step 2: Enroll in CDA Training
- Once DECAL Scholars funding is secured, providers can enroll in ChildCareEd’s 120-hour CDA training program Buy Now
$500.00$400.00. This training is available online, allowing child care providers the flexibility to complete coursework at their own pace. ChildCareEd’s program covers all the essential content areas required by the Council for Professional Recognition, ensuring that participants are fully prepared to meet the CDA standards.
- Once DECAL Scholars funding is secured, providers can enroll in ChildCareEd’s 120-hour CDA training program
- Step 3: Complete the CDA Application Process
- After completing the 120 hours of training, providers can apply to the Council for Professional Recognition to earn their CDA Credential. DECAL Scholars may provide financial assistance to cover the CDA assessment fee, further reducing the overall cost.
- Step 4: Achieve the CDA and Earn Rewards
- Upon earning the CDA, providers will not only have enhanced their skills and qualifications but will also become eligible for salary supplements from DECAL Scholars. This financial incentive rewards providers for their dedication to improving the quality of care and education in their programs.
How do I apply to DECAL Scholars for a CDA scholarship?
DECAL Scholars applications require a GaPDS profile and supporting documentation. Start by creating or updating your GaPDS profile and then identify a DECAL-approved CDA trainer in GaPDS. After you enroll with an approved trainer, you will typically submit a DECAL Scholars application and upload documents such as a trainer invoice, proof of employment, and paystubs. Practical guidance and the required GaPDS step are explained in Georgia's DECAL Scholars guidance (DECAL Scholars Georgia explained), and ChildCareEd's Georgia-focused help articles show common application steps and document examples (how DECAL Scholars helps pay for a CDA). Wherever possible, upload the trainer invoice directly to your application so DECAL can process a payment to the trainer.
What costs and awards does DECAL Scholars cover for CDA candidates?
DECAL Scholars offers a package of awards that can cover training, books, exam fees, and some retakes or renewals. Award amounts and categories vary by scholarship round; for example, DECAL guidance and program summaries describe scholarship components for training, the CDA Competency Book, exam/renewal fees, and retake support (DECAL Scholars CDA Scholarship Program). In practice, eligible applicants may receive funding that is paid directly to the trainer for approved training services and reimbursement for Council fees. Eligibility depends on employment type, hours worked, and whether the trainer/course is approved through Georgia’s training approval system, so confirm exact award amounts and instructions on the DECAL Scholars page before you enroll (what Georgia providers should know).
What are the benefits of earning a CDA in Georgia?
Earning the CDA Credential opens numerous doors for child care providers in Georgia. It leads to professional recognition, higher earning potential, and enhanced skills that benefit the children they care for. Additionally, the CDA meets the educational requirements for roles such as lead teacher in Georgia’s child care programs, enabling providers to advance their careers and take on leadership positions.
By using the DECAL Scholars Program, child care providers can pursue this valuable credential with minimal financial burden while accessing high-quality, flexible training from ChildCareEd. The combination of DECAL Scholars funding and ChildCareEd’s comprehensive training makes it easier for Georgia’s child care providers to take this important step toward career advancement. For a step-by-step CDA roadmap from online training to certification see Your CDA Roadmap in Georgia and for scholarship application tips see CDA Scholarship: How to get help.
What is the bottom line for Georgia providers?
DECAL Scholars can substantially lower the cost of earning a CDA by paying approved trainers directly, reimbursing some exam and book costs, and offering salary supplements after credentialing. Start with a current GaPDS profile, pick a DECAL-approved trainer, and apply with the trainer invoice and employment documentation. Confirm award amounts and eligibility on the DECAL Scholars guidance pages linked above, and use ChildCareEd’s CDA training and portfolio supports to complete the education portion.
What should Georgia providers do next?
Confirm your GaPDS profile, select a DECAL-approved CDA trainer, and apply to DECAL Scholars with the trainer invoice and required employment documents. Use a 120-hour ChildCareEd CDA course to complete the education requirement and keep copies of receipts for reimbursement. If anything is unclear, contact DECAL or your training approval specialist before you enroll.
Tags: #CDA #DECAL #Georgia #Scholarship #ECE
