Georgia DECAL Scholars: Help Paying for Child Care Training - post

If you work in early childhood care in #Georgia, the DECAL Scholars program can make training and credentials much more affordable. This short guide explains what DECAL Scholars pays for, who can apply, and simple steps you and your team can take right away. 

For quick action: set up or update your GaPDS profile and gather recent paystubs. state requirements vary - check your state licensing agency.

What is DECAL Scholars and who can use it?

1. DECAL Scholars is a set of scholarships and supports run with Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning. It helps early childhood #providers pay for things like the 120-hour #CDA course, exam fees, and some books. Read a clear overview at ChildCareEd's DECAL Scholars guide and visit the official program site at DECAL Scholars.

2. Who is usually eligible? Most awards are for people who:

• Work in a DECAL-licensed program (centers or family child care).
• Work a minimum number of paid hours each week (often 15–30 hours; check the specific scholarship).
• Have an active Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS) profile. Start at GaPDS.

3. What the program funds (examples):

• 🔹 Training scholarships for the CDA and college credits (see ChildCareEd's training grant page).
• 🔹 Application or exam fee scholarships that cover the CDA assessment fee (see ChildCareEd's application fee page).
• 🔹 Workforce supplements like POWER-ED that pay as staff finish milestones (read more at ChildCareEd's POWER-ED overview).

Why this matters: DECAL funding lowers the cost barrier for the #training that helps staff keep kids safe and learning. Investing in staff is a win for programs, families, and the workforce.

How do educators apply and use DECAL Scholars for a CDA or college course?

1. Make a step-by-step plan. The basic path looks like this:

• 📌 Create or update your GaPDS profile at GaPDS. This is required for DECAL applications.
• 📌 Choose a DECAL-approved trainer. ChildCareEd is an approved sponsor—see course options at Birth to Five CDA or other CDA courses listed on ChildCareEd.
• 📌 Request an invoice from the training provider. You will upload the invoice when you apply to show the cost.
• 📌 Apply at DECAL Scholars and attach required documents (paystubs, GaPDS number, invoice).

2. Examples of DECAL awards:

• 💵 Training Scholarships: pay part or all of the 120-hour CDA training (amounts vary by window; see ChildCareEd grant).
• 🧾 Application/Exam Fee Scholarships: may cover the CDA assessment fee (see ChildCareEd page).
• 🔁 Renewal/Retake support and POWER-ED supplements for milestone payments (details).

3. Tips to speed approval:

1. 📂 Keep one digital folder with paystubs, GaPDS screenshot, and invoices.
2. 📆 Apply early—many awards are first-come, first-served.
3. ✅ Verify your trainer is DECAL-approved; ChildCareEd lists approved courses to choose from.

How can directors support staff and avoid common mistakes?

Directors play a big role. Small supports help staff finish training and keep the program strong. Here are clear steps directors can take that save time and worry.

1. Practical supports you can offer:

1. 🧩 Help staff create and update GaPDS profiles and check employer entries.
2. 🎯 Share the DECAL Scholars website (DECAL Scholars) and ChildCareEd resources so staff pick the right award and course.
3. 📁 Offer a place (digital or physical) to scan and store paystubs, invoices, and certificates.
4. 🕒 Give short paid time blocks for staff to work on training or the CDA portfolio where possible.

2. Common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• ⚠️ Missing or outdated GaPDS information → fix this before applying.
• ⚠️ Choosing a non-approved trainer → always confirm DECAL approval (see ChildCareEd course pages).
• ⚠️ Waiting until the last day to apply → many awards are first-come, first-served.
• ⚠️ Not saving certificates or invoices → keep backups in two places.

3. How directors can celebrate progress:

1. 👏 Share milestones in staff meetings (finished training, submitted application, earned CDA).
2. 🌟 Consider small incentives like a certificate celebration or a note to families praising staff learning.

What other supports exist and what should teams do next?

1. Extra supports to know about:

• 💡 POWER-ED and workforce supplements: milestone payments as staff finish training and work hours (read about supplements at ChildCareEd).
• 💻 Free or low-cost ECE units and intro courses: ChildCareEd lists free short courses and state-aligned options on its Georgia hub (ChildCareEd Georgia hub).
• 🗣️ Educational counseling: DECAL Scholars offers help picking a path and applying (info at DECAL Scholars counseling).

2. A simple next-step checklist for staff and directors:

• 📘 Update GaPDS now and screenshot your GaPDS number.
• 📚 Pick one goal: CDA, college credit, or Montessori credential.
• ✉️ Request the training invoice from your chosen provider (for example, ChildCareEd courses like Birth to Five CDA).
• 🖥️ Apply at DECAL Scholars and upload documents.

3. Helpful ChildCareEd links to share with staff:

• CDA Training Scholarship (ChildCareEd)
• CDA Application Fee Scholarship (ChildCareEd)
• ChildCareEd Georgia hub

Conclusion

DECAL Scholars is a practical way for Georgia child care staff to get help paying for the #training and credentials that matter. Directors who give small, simple supports (time, help with GaPDS, a shared folder) make a big difference. Start with one small step this week: update your GaPDS profile and save a recent paystub. Then pick a DECAL-approved course at ChildCareEd or another approved provider and apply at DECAL Scholars. Good luck — you and your team are worth the investment.

FAQ (short):

1. Q: Who pays the training provider? A: DECAL sometimes pays the trainer directly or reimburses per award rules. See the specific grant page on ChildCareEd.
2. Q: Do I need GaPDS? A: Yes, an active GaPDS profile is usually required.
3. Q: Can directors apply for staff? A: Staff usually apply, but directors can help gather documents and guide the process.
4. Q: Where to start? A: Update GaPDS and visit ChildCareEd's Georgia hub.