The Mississippi Child Development Associate Scholarship Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  What is the CDA program?

Answer: The Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program focuses on the skills of early care and education professionals.  It is designed to provide performance-based training, assessment, and credentialing of child care staff, home visitors, and family child care providers.

Question:  What are the requirements to participate in this program?

Answer:  You must be currently working in a child care facility.  You must be 18 years of age or older.  You must have your high school diploma or GED.  You must have a working e-mail account.

Question:  How will I receive notification of my acceptance?

Answer:  You will receive written notification indicating your acceptance.

Question:  How will the course be offered? 

Answer:  The training will be offered through a hybrid format including some face-to-face meetings, activities completed at home/in your classroom, and through Smart Horizons, a proven e-learning course site.

Question:  If I want to take an on-line course will training be offered before I start the course?

Answer:  Yes, an orientation session will be provided.  All training will be offered in a hybrid context which includes both on-line and in-class instruction. 

Question:  How long will it take me to complete the program?

Answer:  It will take approximately one year to complete training hours and receive certificate from the Council for Professional Recognition.

Question:  Will I have to pay for tuition or books?

Answer:  Some resource materials are recommended for purchase by the participant (approximately $40).  You will also have to cover the cost of any travel involved in your course work.  The scholarship program will pay for your training hours and your CDA fees.

Question:  If I already have and/or pursuing an Associate’s Degree can I take these courses?

Answer:  Yes, as long as the courses are not in Early Childhood Education.

Question:  If I have a BS degree can I participate in these programs?

Answer:  Yes, if the BS degree that you have is not in child development and/or related to Early Childhood Education.

Question:  As the center director what responsibilities do I have to this program?

Answer:  It is essential that the center director support staff through this process.  The director’s primary responsibility is to encourage and support the participants to completion.  Center directors are also expected to permit on-site observations of participants.

For more information:

Monnie Vail, M.S., Project Director
662-844-8843 (tel.)
662-325-2006 (fax)
381 Greenbriar Rd.
Belden, MS  38826

Make sure your application is complete:

      Have you filled out the complete application?

      Did you mail a copy of your High School Diploma or GED (college transcripts
        accepted as well)?

46 Blackjack Rd. / P.O. Box 6013 / Mississippi State, MS / 39762
tel. 662-325-4836 / fax 662-325-5436

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