Scholarship Opportunity

Child Development Associate (CDA) Awards

Offered by Child Care Aware of Minnesota

Child Development Associate Awards help eligible Minnesota early childhood educators and volunteers pay for the training, initial application, and renewal costs associated with earning the nationally recognized Child Development Associate Credential.

EssayNot required
RenewableNo
Grade LevelCareer Training Student, Working Professional

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

Year-Round CDA Award Cycle

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineTo Be Announced

Eligibility

  • Hold a current Develop Individual Membership.
  • Complete the training requirements established by the Council for Professional Recognition.
  • Have required CDA training verified on the applicant's Develop CDA Learning Record.
  • Be employed or volunteer at a licensed or license-exempt early childhood program whose setting matches the type of CDA being pursued.
  • Have employment or volunteer status verified on the Develop Learning Record.
  • For the application-fee scholarship, be ready to apply for the initial CDA or renewal and have a YourCouncil Customer ID.
  • For reimbursement, have received an initial CDA or renewal certificate within the applicable one-year eligibility period.
  • Not have CDA expenses paid through another grant or as an employer benefit.

Requirements

  • Complete the appropriate CDA Award application.
  • Submit a current Develop CDA Learning Record.
  • Provide a recent pay statement, family child care license, or volunteer verification as applicable.
  • Provide the applicant's YourCouncil ID for an application-fee scholarship.
  • For renewal support, provide the current or newly issued CDA certificate.
  • For reimbursement, provide proof of payment for the CDA credential and qualifying training expenses.

How to Apply

  1. 1Complete all required CDA training and ensure it appears as verified in Develop.
  2. 2Confirm that employment or volunteer service is accurately verified in the Develop Learning Record.
  3. 3Create or access a YourCouncil account when applying for the credential.
  4. 4Choose the CDA Application Fee Scholarship if you have not yet paid the Council application fee.
  5. 5Choose the Application Fee and Training Reimbursement if you already received the new or renewed CDA credential.
  6. 6Gather the required Develop record and employment, license, volunteer, credential, and payment documentation.
  7. 7Submit the appropriate Child Care Aware of Minnesota application online.
  8. 8Complete applications may be submitted throughout the year.