Thank you so much for your interest in learning more about the Maryland CDA Training Initiative - it's such an amazing opportunity for providers and ChildCareEd is happy to help with the process!
ChildCareEd is partnering with Maryland Family Network (MFN), the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), and the CDA Council to offer the CDA Credential, CDA Renewal, and CDA Bridge Bundle for FREE! The Bridge Bundle is what they are calling the 30-hours of training required for those who already have their 90 Maryland hours. All options will include CDA Professional Portfolio review preparation support!
Funding may also cover other components of obtaining the CDA Credential including:
- CDA Application fee
- CDA Textbook Bundle
Are you eligible?
- You currently work in a licensed child care facility/ #home- #daycare in Maryland.
IF YES: 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
In the final question on the application form, you want to select "Approved Training Bundle"
This is how you will be approved for training. They will automatically send you the CDA Book Bundle voucher so you do not need to apply for that. The New or Renewal CDA Application Fee can be applied for at a later date.
What happens next?
It will take about 10 days for your application to be reviewed by both the CDA Council and Maryland Family Network. Once you have been conditionally approved, you will receive an email from the CDA Council with the subject line " CDA Completion Agreement & Training Bundle Selection Form ". This form should only take about a minute to complete. The two most important elements are selecting your training provider.
ChildCareEd (H&H) is 4th in the drop-down #menu.
You will also be asked to select your ECE Setting and it is important that you make sure to choose the setting that you work in ( as this will be the setting where you will be observed as part of the credential process.
Once you complete the form, it is generally a pretty quick turnaround before you are given access to training. You will be notified by your training organization that you have been given access to training. As an extra incentive for completing your training on time, ChildCareEd is holding monthly draws, as well as a grand prize draw in December so if you are eligible, you will want to hurry up and apply today!
If you do NOT currently work in a licensed child care facility/ home day care in Maryland, then unfortunately you are not eligible for this grant but you may be eligible for other grants in the future so please continue to visit our website and read our newsletter announcements for additional grant opportunities. Should you wish to proceed with CDA training without the aid of a grant, all of our courses are available for purchase.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!