Let’s be honest. You’ve been meaning to get your CDA. You know it’s the key to #career #growth. You’ve even finished your training hours. But that $425 assessment fee has been sitting on your to-do list like a lead weight. Well, what if that weight just vanished? The DECAL Scholars program is offering to pay that entire fee for you. This isn't a raffle or a loan. It's a straightforward scholarship. The only question left is, what's possibly holding you back now?
Worried about drowning in red tape? Don't be. Georgia DECAL has made this process surprisingly simple because they want qualified #educators to earn this credential. The eligibility criteria are clear: work a set number of hours in a licensed Georgia program, have six months of steady employment, and hold a high school diploma/GED. If you’ve done the 120 hours of training with a provider like ChildCareEd and are ready to apply to the Council, you're exactly who they're looking for. It’s less of a maze and more of a welcome mat.
Are the requirements impossibly high? Nope. This scholarship is for the everyday heroes of child care—the #teachers, assistants, floaters, and directors who are in the #classroom making a difference. It’s not an academic award for a 4.0 GPA; it’s a professional award for your commitment and hands-on experience. The fact that you’ve completed your training and are ready to take the final step is the main qualification. This isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being prepared.
Thinking of putting this off until next year? That could be a costly mistake. Scholarship funding is often dependent on annual budgets and is typically offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The CDA application fee itself is also subject to change (and it's going up!). Procrastination is the enemy of opportunity. The time to act is when the funding is available and your training is fresh in your mind. This isn't a "maybe later" deal; it's a "right now" opportunity.
How should you interpret this opportunity? Consider it a very strong, very friendly, and very well-funded shove in the right direction. Georgia is removing the last and most significant barrier standing between you and a nationally recognized, career-boosting credential. They are betting on you. The training is done. The fee is covered. All that's left is for you to take that final, confident step forward. Your future self will thank you.
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