Supporting Hawaii Providers: Scholarship Opportunity - post

If you've completed 120 hours and assembled your CDA portfolio, you're ready to apply for the credential and pay the assessment fee. Hawaii providers may be eligible for a PATCH Scholarship that reimburses CDA assessment fees. If you still need coursework, ChildCareEd offers the CDA Preschool Credential (120 hours) Buy Now $400.00$300.00 and the CDA Family Child Care Credential (120 hours) Buy Now $400.00$300.00, both designed to prepare you for the Council's portfolio and exam requirements.

The PATCH Scholarship program allows you to increase your knowledge of current developmentally appropriate practices and increases the number of people entering the early care and education profession.

Funded by the Department of Human Services, PATCH scholarships provide reimbursement for assessment fees for obtaining or renewing a CDA credential.

Priority is given to those currently employed in a licensed Child Care Facility or operating a registered family child care home. Applicants must live in Hawaii.

What is the PATCH Scholarship and who qualifies?

The PATCH Scholarship is a state-focused program that helps Hawaii early care professionals cover the out-of-pocket cost of CDA assessment fees. The program is funded to increase access to credentialing for people working in early childhood settings. Typical eligibility elements include proof of Hawaii residency, current employment in a licensed child care program or operation of a registered family child care home, and a completed CDA application or documentation showing intent to sit for the assessment. Because PATCH funding priorities can include workforce retention and program quality, providers working in licensed centers and registered homes are usually prioritized.

How do Hawaii providers apply for the PATCH Scholarship?

Application steps generally include: gather proof of residency (state ID or utility bill), documentation of employment or your registered home status, and an invoice or receipt for the CDA assessment fee. Apply through the PATCH program's application portal and keep copies of every submission. PATCH typically requires receipts or proof of payment to process reimbursement. If you have questions about allowable expenses or your timeline, contact PATCH staff directly and retain a copy of any approval or denial correspondence. Also verify whether your employer can submit documentation on your behalf or provide a voucher—employer involvement sometimes speeds processing.

Which ChildCareEd courses help you prepare for the CDA and the assessment?

ChildCareEd provides several 120-hour training options that match CDA subject areas and portfolio needs, including the CDA Preschool Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00, the CDA Infant/Toddler Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00, and the CDA Family Child Care Credential Buy Now $400.00$300.00. Each course covers the eight CDA subject areas and issues a ChildCareEd training certificate when coursework and any portfolio supports are complete. If you want direct portfolio support, choose the versions that include Portfolio Review to get feedback before submitting to the Council. These courses can also supply the training documentation PATCH may request when verifying you meet the education component of a CDA application.

What steps should I follow after receiving scholarship reimbursement?

After you receive a PATCH reimbursement for the assessment fee, confirm the transaction in writing and keep your receipt. Proceed to submit your CDA application to the Council for Professional Recognition, upload your ChildCareEd training certificate and portfolio materials, and schedule the exam and any required Verification Visit. If your portfolio needs refinement, use ChildCareEd's portfolio review services or the Bridge Bundles to complete missing training hours or portfolio elements. Keep open lines of communication with your licensing representative in Hawaii to make sure your credentialing steps align with state licensing expectations.

Where can I find additional guidance and funding ideas?

For practical funding tips and state examples, see ChildCareEd articles that explain scholarships, vouchers, and workforce funding programs: How to get a CDA for free, CDA Scholarship: How to Get Help Paying for Your CDA, and examples of state programs such as free CDA training in Texas. For additional regional funding or workforce scholarship examples, consult North Carolina CDA funding options, Georgia DECAL scholarship guidance, and general career-start guidance like How Do I Get Started Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher. These pieces offer application templates, documentation checklists, and tips that apply broadly even when funding sources differ by state.

What documents and receipts does PATCH require for reimbursement?

Typical PATCH reimbursement workflows require clear receipts and documentation that connect the payment to an eligible activity. Provide: a completed CDA assessment invoice or receipt showing the candidate's name and the fee amount; proof of payment (credit card statement, receipt, or cancelled check); documentation that you live in Hawaii (state ID, driver's license, or utility bill); and proof of employment in a licensed child care facility or a registration certificate for a family child care home. If you used employer funds or a voucher to pay the fee, include written confirmation from the employer or voucher source. Keep copies of any correspondence that documents approval or pre-authorization from PATCH. These documents are frequently requested during claims processing and will accelerate reimbursement.

Confirm whether PATCH requires the ChildCareEd training certificate or portfolio documentation as part of the application: while PATCH typically reimburses assessment fees rather than coursework, some programs verify you have completed the necessary training hours. To avoid surprises, check with PATCH staff and with your Hawaii licensing specialist about how a completed CDA or related training interacts with any state training credits or licensing documentation requirements.

How long does PATCH take to process reimbursements and what steps help if a claim is delayed?

Processing times vary by program funding cycles and caseload. Expect processing to take several weeks to a few months; if PATCH uses reimbursement rather than upfront vouchers, processing can take longer at peak times. To reduce delays: submit complete documentation, include a clear itemized receipt, and follow the program's required submission format. Track your submission date and note any reference or case numbers. If a reimbursement is delayed or denied, request a written explanation and the name of the staff contact; then provide any missing documentation promptly. If you suspect an error, escalate by asking for a supervisor or by re-sending proof of payment and payment method details. Keep copies of all communications and dates of phone calls. These records are useful if you need to request reconsideration or provide documentation to your employer or licensing body.

What should I do next?

Confirm your eligibility with PATCH, enroll in the ChildCareEd 120-hour CDA pathway that matches your teaching setting, and gather the documents PATCH requires before you pay the assessment fee. Keep careful records of payments and communications so you can claim reimbursement promptly and complete the CDA Council application with the necessary training and portfolio evidence. Doing these steps in order reduces delays and helps you keep employer and licensing documentation aligned.

Summary: What are the next steps for Hawaii providers?

Confirm your PATCH eligibility, assemble complete receipts and proof of residency/employment, and enroll in the ChildCareEd 120-hour CDA pathway that matches your setting. Submit your CDA payment with careful documentation so you can claim reimbursement, and keep clear records of approvals and communications. Before you finalize payments, verify with PATCH staff whether any pre-authorization or additional documentation is required, and confirm with your Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing specialist how the CDA credential and training documentation align with state licensing or staff qualification rules. Good documentation and early confirmation reduce delays and support a smooth claim.

For more information, visit https://www.patchhawaii.org/programs/patch-scholarship/ 

If you have not yet completed your 120 hours of training, ChildCareEd offers the full 120 hours of CDA training as one course! Choose from Preschool, Infant/Toddler, or Family Child Care. Enroll today to get started advancing your career in Early Childhood Education.

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