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Child Development Associate® Other

CDA® Voucher Only Scholarship

The CDA® Voucher-Only scholarship is tailored for early childhood education (ECE) professionals nearing the completion of their Child Development Associate® (CDA®) credential. This scholarship does not include one-on-one or group support.

Scholarship Incentives

  • $425 CDA® assessment fee
  • $1,000 completion stipend

After six months of continuous employment for at least 20 hours per week in Delaware, serving children prenatal to 2nd grade or their families, based on the credential date on the CDA® Credential uploaded to the ECIC DE RISE CDA® Voucher Only scholarship application.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Fully completed CDA® Portfolio
  • Prepared to schedule observation and examination
  • Work a minimum of 20 hours per week directly with children in a Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) licensed early care and education program.

Application Document Checklist

Ensure you have the following documents ready before applying:

  1. High School Diploma/Transcript or GED Certificate
    • Diplomas or transcripts from non-U.S. institutions (including Puerto Rico) must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency. Click here for details.
  2. 120 Clock Hours Certificate(s)
  3. Two Recent Paystubs (from the past 60 days)
    • Each paystub must include:
      • Your full name and address
      • Employer’s name and address
      •  Pay period dates
      • Total hours worked for each pay period or hourly rate
  1. Voided check or Direct Deposit Authorization Form, (request from your bank)
  2. W-9 Form Download Here 
  3. YourCouncil.org 7-Digit Customer ID (Log in or create an account at YourCouncil.org to retrieve your Customer ID.)

Make sure all documents are clear and accurate to avoid delays in processing your application.
 

CDA® Renewal Scholarship

The CDA® Renewal Scholarship supports Delaware ECE professionals in renewing their valid CDA® credential. This scholarship does not include support for meeting renewal requirements from the Council for Professional Recognition.

CDA® Renewal Amnesty Program

  • The Council for Professional Recognition is offering a special CDA® Renewal Amnesty Program for a limited time! If your CDA® credential expired on or after January 1, 2020, you have the opportunity to renew it without starting the certification process from scratch.
  • This limited time offer from the Council for Professional Recognition is available from February 1, 2025 to July 31, 2025.
  • All ECIC CDA Renewal Scholarship applications must be submitted by July 21, 2025, to be considered for eligibility to receive the $125 renewal fee award.

Scholarship Incentives

  • $125 CDA® renewal fee

Eligibility Requirements

  • Valid CDA® Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition expiring within six (6) months
  • OR a CDA® Credential that expired as far back a January 1, 2020
  • Work a minimum of 20 hours per week directly with children in a Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) licensed early care and education program.

Application Document Checklist

Ensure you have the following documents ready before applying:

  1. Valid CDA® credential expiring within six (6) months or a CDA® Credential that expired January 1, 2020 or after.
  2. Two Recent Paystubs (from the past 60 days)
    • Each paystub must include:
      • Your full name and address
      • Employer’s name and address
      •  Pay period dates
      • Total hours worked for each pay period or hourly rate
  3. YourCouncil.org 7-Digit Customer ID Log in or create an account at YourCouncil.org to retrieve your Customer ID

Make sure all documents are clear and accurate to avoid delays in processing your application.
 

How to Apply

  1. Log in or create an account in the Delaware Early Care and Education Portal.
  2. Click the “Professional Portal” icon.
  3. Select “View My Scholarship Journey” and complete the requested information.
  4. From the “My Scholarship Type” dropdown, choose either DE RISE CDA Voucher Only Scholarship or Child Development Associate Renewal.

Note: Only one application can be submitted at a time. Some applications may currently be closed; information regarding availability is provided on the “My Scholarship Type” page.

APPLY HERE