EEffective Date: July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010
CDA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The DHS Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education offer a Child Development Associate (CDA) Scholarship that is available to licensed and registered child care providers. This scholarship program is made possible through the Federal Child Care Development Fund.
The purpose of the scholarship program is to improve the quality of early childhood programs in the State of Arkansas by assisting staff in achieving the Child Development Associate Credential. Scholarships are available to both profit and nonprofit childcare centers and family child care homes. There will be a limit of only 2 scholarships per license number per grant year. (July to June). Fully funded Arkansas Better Chance for School Success (ABC & ABCSS) and Head Start Center Based Programs are not eligible for CDA Scholarship funds.
CDA Scholarships are available throughout the grant year until funds set aside by the Division are expended.
In order to receive a CDA Scholarship you must enroll with an approved institution of higher education in Arkansas. A listing of the institutions approved to receive CDA scholarships is located on the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education’s website www.arkansas.gov/childcare. Go to the institution website that is in your area and click on that website for specifics on schedules, cost and to learn more about the institution.
CDA SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE AS FOLLOWS:
Instruction/Course Work
- CDA Course Work to obtain a CDA Credential –
$800 maximum is allowed for tuition only for initial/first and second semester combined.
(Books & Auxiliary Fees Will Not Be Covered.)
There will be a limit of only 2 scholarships per license number per grant year. (July to June).
- Assistance is also available for a CDA renewal course to renew a CDA Credential.
Upon completion of the 120 clock hour program, an Assessment Scholarship is available. To request an application please call 501-682-9699 or go to www.arkansas.gov/childcare.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS for each type of scholarship is outlined on the next page.
(Attachment A)
ATTACHMENT A - ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Effective Date: July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010
Scholarships for Instruction/Course Work
1. Applicant must be currently employed at a licensed or registered child care program (Fully funded ABC and Head Start Programs are not eligible for this Scholarship) and be recommended by the Director/Owner. ALL APPLICANTS MUST MEET THIS REQUIREMENT!
- Applicant MUST ALSO meet the following requirements:
Have been employed for at least 90 days in the childcare program that recommends you; AND have completed one of the following five (5) trainings applicable to the type of care provided at the facility you work for: (i.e., CCOT if you work for a Center, Preschool, etc)
Child Care Orientation Training (CCOT)
You must attach a copy of your Certificate of Completion.
Phone # 479-575-4289, 479-575-3375, 800-632-8754
- Arkansas Children’s Program Administration Orientation ACPAO (Director’s Orientation)
You must attach a copy of your Certificate of Completion.
Phone # 870-972-3055, 888-429-1585 - Early Care and Education DIRECT
You must attach a copy of your Certificate of Completion.
Phone # 870-972-3055, 888-429-1585 - Family Child Care Provider Orientation (applicable for Family Child Care only)*
You must attach a copy of your Certificate of Completion.
Phone # 479-575-4289, 479-575-3375, 800-632-8754
*Family Child Care Providers may attend any of the other trainings - Secondary Child Guidance, Management and Services Training
You must attach a copy of your Certificate of Completion.
Phone # 501-682-1140
Fully funded Arkansas Better Chance for School Success and Head Start Center Based Programs are not eligible for Scholarships.
Read and sign the attached Agreement (Attachment B).
Scholarships for CDA Renewal Course
1. Applicant must have a current CDA Credential from an approved CDA Scholarship Institution
(You must attach a copy of your CDA credential to the application.), and
2. Applicant must be currently employed at a licensed child care program for at least 90 days and be recommended by the Director/Owner
3. The maximum for the Renewal Course is $300.00.
CDA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Effective Date: July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010
FUNDS WILL BE RELEASED IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:
Funds for Instruction/Course Work
- APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE DIVISION OFFICE AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING OF CLASSES TO BE CONSIDERED.
- Upon approval of scholarship, you will receive an approval letter to be given to registrar of institution.
- Tuition payment will be sent to the approved training institution where you are registered and attending classes.
FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. ALL SCHOLARSHIPS MUST BE APPROVED PRIOR TO CLASSES BEGINNING.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE ORIGINAL AND COMPLETE. DO NOT LEAVE ANY BLANKS. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE DELAYED UNTIL ALL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE COMPLETING THIS APPLICATION, PLEASE CONTACT MARGARET WHATLEY AT (501) 682-9699.
Please return all applications to:
Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education
ATTN: CDA Scholarship
P.O. Box 1437, Slot S-160
Little Rock, AR 72203
The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education is committed to ensuring that
early childhood professionals have quality staff development opportunities.
While you are working toward your CDA Credential, you may have questions or concerns. We suggest that you first go to your CDA Instructor and/or CDA Institution for assistance. If you continue to have concerns that have not been resolved, contact the CDA Program Coordinator at (501) 682-9699.