CDA Credentialing Scholarships
Child Development Associate Scholarship Project
The CDA Scholarship Project provides individuals working in early childhood care and education programs in Nebraska the opportunity to apply for funds to assist with the costs of achieving a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Funds for this project come from the federal Child Care and Development Fund and may be used for the initial CDA application, CDA renewal, and up to one retake of the initial CDA application. The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Office of Early Childhood administers this project.
What is a CDA?
A Child Development Associate is an individual who has successfully completed a CDA assessment and has been awarded the CDA credential. They are able to meet the specific needs of children and work with parents and other adults to nurture children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth within a child development framework.
Who is eligible to apply for scholarship funds?
Anyone working in an early childhood program in Nebraska who has completed the required documentation is eligible to apply for CDA Scholarship funds.
What costs are covered?
The NDE CDA Scholarship Project covers the fees associated with the initial CDA application, CDA renewal, and up to one retake of the initial CDA application. Applicants are responsible for the cost of the CDA application packet, which can be purchased through the Council for Professional Recognition website.
Funding is limited and will be dispersed as available.
How do individuals apply for a CDA Scholarship?
The NDE Office of Early Childhood accepts applications year round. Anyone interested should follow the instructions listed below for submitting a CDA Scholarship application.
Instructions:
- Create an account with the Council for Professional Recognition
- Complete all required documentation for your CDA
- Submit the NDE CDA Scholarship Application
- Once application is approved, you will receive an email from The Council for Professional Recognition with your voucher number
- Log back into your account and enter the voucher number as payment
For questions regarding the CDA Scholarship Project, please contact:
Tammi Hicken
Office of Early Childhood
Nebraska Department of Education
Phone: 531-207-8917
E-mail: tammi.hicken@nebraska.gov