How Georgia Child Care Providers Can Use the DECAL Scholars Program to Earn their CDA - post

Georgia’s child care providers #play a pivotal role in shaping the #early-education and #development of young children. To support their professional #growth, the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) offers the DECAL Scholars Program, which provides financial and educational assistance to individuals pursuing credentials, degrees, and certifications in #early-childhood-education. For providers seeking to earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, the DECAL Scholars Program can be an invaluable resource, offering access to financial support and high-quality training, including the 120 hours of CDA training.

What is the CDA Credential?

The CDA Credential is a nationally recognized certification awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. It signifies that an #early-childhood #educator has demonstrated proficiency in working with young children and has met the necessary standards in the areas of #safety, #health, development, and learning environments. To earn the CDA, providers must complete 120 hours of formal education in early childhood development, have at least 480 hours of professional experience working with children, and complete a final assessment that includes a professional portfolio, observation, and exam.

How the Georgia DECAL Scholars Program Supports CDA Candidates

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. 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.

Here’s how providers can use the DECAL Scholars Program:

• 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. 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.
• 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.

Benefits of the CDA for Georgia’s Child Care Providers

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 than ever for Georgia’s child care providers to take this important step toward career advancement.

#cda-credential

#early-childhood-educators