The Mississippi Child Development Associate Scholarship Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  What is the CDA program?

Answer:     The CDA National Credentialing Program is a program that 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 courses be offered?

Answer:     The training hours will be offered through a Smart Horizons, a proven e-learning course site.

Question:  If I desire 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:     The only cost to the participants will be the purchase of one textbook at approximately $35.00.  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 course 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 project?

Answer:     The center directors’ primary responsibility is to encourage and support the participants to completion.  Center directors are also expected to permit on-site observations of participants.

If you have any other questions or concerns please contact:

Sheri H. Anders, Coordinator
Early Childhood Institute at MSU
P.O. Box 6013
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Phone: 601-616-1284
Fax: 662-325-2006
Email: sla1@colled.msstate.edu

Make sure your application is complete:

1.  Have you filled out all 4 pages of the application?

2.  Did you mail the Director Recommendation Form?

3.  Did you mail a copy of your High School Diploma or GED?

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

© 2004- Mississippi State University