New York EIP Scholarship for Child Care Training and CDA

The New York State Educational Incentive Program (EIP) may help eligible child care professionals pay for approved training, including CDA and other early childhood professional development. EIP is administered by the Professional Development Program at Rockefeller College, University at Albany. Applicants apply directly to EIP, which determines eligibility, approves training, and sets the award amount. Funding is not guaranteed, and an award may not cover the full cost of training.

Potential scholarship amounts

For 2026, EIP lists maximum annual awards that include:

• Up to $2,500 for CDA and other pre-approved credential training.
• Up to $600 for eligible asynchronous distance learning training, at up to $30 per training hour.

These are maximums, not guaranteed awards. Eligibility and award amounts depend on EIP’s rules and review. You are responsible for costs EIP does not cover. Check EIP’s current program information for current amounts and requirements.

Who may be eligible?

In general, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, work in an eligible New York State OCFS or NYC DOHMH regulated child care program, and care for children—or directly supervise employees who do—as part of the required adult-to-child ratio. Household income rules apply to some training. EIP determines eligibility; review its current requirements before applying.

How to apply

Apply directly through EIP. Applicants must complete their own applications. EIP uses a separate application for CDA activities, so check that you are using the correct application for your training.

For 2026 funding, EIP says the training must begin and end during calendar year 2026, and applications must be received by December 1, 2026. Check EIP’s website for current application instructions and deadlines.

If EIP approves your application

Review and accept your award using EIP’s link within the time stated in your award notice. EIP pays the approved training organization on your behalf; this is not a promise that EIP will reimburse you if you pay for training yourself.

After completing training, keep your certificate. If EIP requests proof of completion, upload it using the secure link EIP sends you. Do not email certificates or other supporting documents to EIP unless EIP specifically asks you to.

Scholarship funding to participate in these trainings may be available through the Educational Incentive Program (EIP)/Medication Administration Training (MAT). For more information or to apply for a scholarship, please visit www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu. You may also contact EIP/MAT by email at eip@albany.edu, MAT by email at mat@albany.edu or by phone at either (800) 295-9616 or (518) 442-6575. 

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