MD Child Development Associate (CDA) Fund - post

The Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Early Childhood will provide funding to support child care providers with obtaining their Child Development Associate® (CDA)Credential™ from the Council for Professional Recognition.

Who is eligible?

• Registered family child care providers
• Licensed child care center staff

What are the CDA® requirements?

• Have a valid high school diploma, GED, or enrolled as a junior or senior in a high school CTE program.
• Complete 120 hours of professional early childhood education (setting specific).
• Obtain 480 hours of work experience (setting specific).
• Prepare a CDA professional portfolio with all required documentation.

For more information about the CDA process, please visit: https://www.cdacouncil.org  or contact the Council at [email protected] 

What does the fund cover?

• CDA training
• $425 initial online application fee
• $125 renewal online application fee
• CDA Textbook Bundle

How do I apply for funding?

Gather the following information: 

• CDA Council ID Number. If you do not currently have an account with the CDA Council you will need to visit https://yourcouncil.org/  and create an account. Once you have completed this part of the process, you will receive an email that contains your CDA Council ID Number.
• Center or Home Daycare License Number
• Complete the application form.